Two dead, scores injured as tropical storm Ialy hits Coast

Heavy rains and strong winds will hit the Kenyan coast. [The Standard]

Two people died and at least five others were injured after Tropical Storm Ialy tore through villages destroying schools, homes and businesses.

The storm that hit the Coast region on Tuesday evening also fell trees, damaged vehicles and left streets strewn with debris in Kilifi county.

Kenya Meteorological Department had predicted that the storm which was initially observed in the North of Madagascar Island in the Indian Ocean would have an impact on Kenya's coastline.

Police reports released on Tuesday evening said a girl aged four died and at least other four children were injured after the storm destroyed the roof of Gogoraruhe mosque's Early Childhood Development Education Centre (ECDE) in Kaloleni sub-county.

Police said the child succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at Mariakani Sub-County Hospital.

The victims are PPI pupils aged between two and five years.

A similar incident was reported at Rabai Police Station where Elvis Changawa, 32, died after the storm blew off Salima Gases Kenya factory godown where oxygen gas cylinders are stored.

"Daniel Ziro Kombe aged 27 and Elvis Wasi Changawa, 32, both employees at the facility were rushed to Rabai Sub-County Hospital where the latter succumbed to injuries," read a police report in part.

Kombe was referred to Mombasa County Hospital for specialised treatment.

A vehicle was damaged at the County Commissioner's office in Kilifi town after the roof of the parking area was destroyed by the storm.

Part of the iron sheets were blown towards electricity cables occasioning a blackout after trees fell.

Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner, Samuel Mutisya said the storm caused huge damages.

"We started experiencing strong winds from Monday. It has destroyed several homes and businesses, sadly we can confirm that there have been fatalities. I urge residents to be careful wherever they are,'' he said.

Residents joined hands in frantic efforts to salvage furniture and other belongings strewn all over after the storm.

In Mombasa county, the storm uprooted trees that blocked roads forcing authorities to hire a team to clear the area.

At Mbaraki Girls Comprehensive School, a roof to one of the classrooms was blown off but no one was injured.

Waves hitting about three metres high with dangerous rip currents were witnessed in the Indian Ocean forcing fishermen and other beach operators to keep off.

The raging storm also fell coconut trees. The incident comes barely two weeks after beach activities were banned on the coastline following moderate effects of Cyclone Hidaya.