By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has announced the temporary closure of all public beaches in the coastal city on Saturday and Sunday following a weather alert from the Kenya Meteorological Department.
The decision was made after authorities warned of powerful winds and large ocean waves expected to batter the coastal region, posing serious safety risks.
The governor stated that beaches will also remain inaccessible on Monday should the weather conditions persist.
The county’s Disaster Preparedness Committee reached the resolution to suspend beach access and all marine activities to ensure public safety.
Construction projects within the region have also been halted as a precaution.
According to Governor Nassir, the ocean is expected to experience waves up to 2.5 meters high.
He confirmed that fishermen and construction workers have been notified of the temporary restrictions.
The Kenya Meteorological Department on Friday cautioned residents in several counties, including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Tana River, to prepare for intensifying southerly winds and rough seas from Friday through Sunday.
Wind speeds could exceed 35 knots (around 18 meters per second) during the peak of the disturbance.
The weather is expected to calm slightly by Monday, with winds reducing to about 25 knots. In the meantime, county authorities have partnered with the Kenya Wildlife Service to help enforce the beach closures and keep residents away from the shoreline.
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