The Kenya Meteorological Department on Tuesday, April 23, dismissed reports of a cyclone hitting the country amidst the ongoing heavy rains.
The meteorological department while referencing its initial post on cyclones clarified that it was improbable for such a phenomenon to occur in Kenya.
"By the laws of physics, Cyclones cannot come this close to the equator," Kenya Met stated.
A cyclone also known as a hurricane is a violent tropical storm in which the air goes round and round. It can also be described as a huge stormy wind that spans numerous regions and causes severe damage to infrastructure.
Kenya Met was forced to issue clarity on the matter after a viral social media post depicted a possible cyclone hitting the country.
“But this rain is persistent, remarkably heavy in some instances, even angry, has me wondering are we at the western edge of a major, unannounced hurricane?” questioned a social media user.
While dismissing the cyclone claims, the meteorological department warned of continued enhanced rainfall in different parts of the country.
According to Kenya Met, the country will continue receiving heavy rainfall until May when it is expected to reduce.
"The March-April-May period in Kenya is normally referred to as the long rains season. It begins about the 2nd, 3rd or 4th week of March (onset) and runs to May (cessation)," Kenya Met noted in a statement.
"It has a peak (or peaks in some areas) between 1st week of April and the 1st week of May," the department added.
The latest clarification from the Kenya Meteorological Department comes amid heavy downpours being experienced in various parts of the country.
These heavy rains have led to floods in different regions, resulting in fatalities, displacement of people, and disruption of services.
