World News | Power Blackouts Hit Tanzania as Cyclone Hidaya Intensifies Toward the Country's Coastline

Nairobi, May 4 (AP) A major blackout hit most of Tanzania on Saturday as heavy rains and strong winds from Cyclone Hidaya lashed the country following weeks of flooding in the region.

Ferry services between Tanzania's commercial hub, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar were suspended as Cyclone Hidaya approached the East African coast with maximum winds of 120 kph (33 mph) and powerful gusts.

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Authorities warned residents to exercise caution as the intensity of the cyclone increases.

The weather service said more than usual amounts of rainfall were recorded in coastal areas overnight. The Tanzania Red Cross Society has been carrying out preparedness campaigns along the coast.

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Heavy rains and flooding over the past weeks in Tanzania and the rest of East Africa have left some 155 people dead, authorities said. More than 200,000 others have been affected. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)