Kenya and Tanzania are preparing for Cyclone Hidaya after heavy rains caused over 350 deaths and displaced over 183,000 people in East Africa.
In Kenya, 188 lives have been lost and 165,000 people have been displaced since March.
The government has warned citizens to stay alert as the coastal region is expected to experience heavy rainfall, large waves, and strong winds.
Neighboring Tanzania, where at least 155 people have been killed, is also expected to be affected by the cyclone.
The Tanzania Red Cross Society has announced heavy rain and strong winds in some regions near the Indian Ocean.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains, strong winds, and large ocean waves in Nairobi over the next three days.
Residents are urged to be vigilant for flash floods and lightning strikes, as strong winds could cause damage such as blowing off roofs and uprooting trees.
The heavier than usual rains have already caused at least 29 deaths, 175 injuries, and displacement of tens of thousands in Burundi since September 2021.
In response, Kenya's military has been deployed to evacuate people from flood-prone areas.
The interior ministry has ordered immediate evacuation for those living near major rivers or dams, warning of mandatory evacuation for their safety.
A flood in Kenya's Maasai Mara wildlife reserve left around 100 tourists stranded and forced the evacuation of 90 people.
About 50 camps in the reserve were affected, putting over 500 locals out of work.
Bridges were washed away, making the area inaccessible.
No fatalities have been reported, but communities nearby have been forced to relocate.
The situation has caused concern for the emergence of waterborne diseases.
A dam burst in Kenya near Mai Mahiu, killing at least 52 people and leaving 51 missing.
The incident is the deadliest single disaster in the country's history.
The government has faced criticism for being unprepared and slow to respond, with opposition politicians and lobby groups making accusations.
Human Rights Watch has urged the government to fulfill its obligation to prevent harm from extreme weather events and protect citizens during disasters.
The US and UK have issued travel warnings due to the extreme weather conditions.
A natural disaster caused by heavy rains, possibly amplified by the El Nino weather pattern, has resulted in devastation in various parts of the world.
The incident has prompted expressions of sympathy and support from global leaders like
Pope Francis and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
El Nino is a climate phenomenon that can lead to increased heat and drought in some areas and heavy rainfall in others.