Mombasa Shuts Down Public Beaches Amid Dangerous Weather Warning
Public beaches in Mombasa County will be closed to the public this weekend following a stern warning from the Kenya Meteorological Department about dangerous weather conditions expected along the coast.
Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, in an emergency press briefing on Friday, announced that the beaches will be out of bounds on Saturday and Sunday, with a possibility of extended closure into Monday if the weather does not improve.
The move follows a meeting by the Mombasa County Disaster Preparedness Committee, which resolved to take precautionary measures to safeguard residents and visitors against forecasted strong winds and high ocean waves.
“We’ve resolved to close public beaches for two days, suspend ocean activities, and halt all construction work for public safety,” said Governor Nassir. “If there will be no signs that the weather will improve, then people will not be allowed at the beaches for three days running.”
Waves of up to 2.5 metres and southerly winds exceeding 35 knots (equivalent to 18.0 m/s) are expected to pound the coastal region throughout the weekend. The Kenya Meteorological Department has also advised residents of the southeastern lowlands and the northwestern parts of the country to brace for similarly strong gusts.
Counties expected to be affected include Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale.
“All fishermen have been informed, all people involved in the construction sector have also been informed,” Governor Nassir emphasized. “We have also informed the Kenya Wildlife Service so that they help us in ensuring no one goes to the beaches.”
This alert comes as part of a broader climate-related warning affecting multiple regions in Kenya, with the Met Department cautioning about possible destruction from the winds and waves.
Authorities have pledged to give daily updates as they continue monitoring the situation. Residents and tourists have been urged to stay indoors, avoid venturing near the ocean, and comply with safety directives issued by the county government.
As extreme weather patterns become more frequent due to climate change, local governments are being urged to strengthen disaster preparedness systems and improve public awareness to prevent avoidable tragedies.
In other news:Donald Trump Blocks Harvard University from Enrolling Foreign Students
Mombasa Shuts Down Public Beaches Amid Dangerous Weather Warning