Relief for tourists and fishermen as experts rule out killer waves

Emergency procedures in Coast were called off on Wednesday evening barely four hours after the government issued a tsunami alert and ordered evacuations.

Fishing was suspended, beaches cleared and ferry services were only allowed to continue under the watchful eye of experts following an earthquake that occurred in Indonesia.

Special Programmes Minister Esther Murugi said water levels in Malindi, Lamu and Kiunga were expected to rise by up to three metres after 8pm, while those in Kilifi, Mombasa and Shimoni would hit two metres.

“All fishermen and other people undertaking economic activities along the coastline, including hoteliers, tour operators, water sports and curio shops are advised to keep off the beaches immediately,” Ms Murugi said.

The earthquake measuring 8.6 on the Richter scale, hit Aceh Province, Indonesia, early on Wednesday. Ms Murugi put hospitals on high alert and advised those living near the coastline to report any incident to the police.

But the tsunami alert was later cancelled. Quoting the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, the BBC reported two hours after the quake that “the threat has diminished or is over for most areas”.

The alert caused panic as people fled buildings and made for high ground in the Pacific. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

India and Sri Lanka have also lifted their own tsunami warnings.

The alert had predicted that Somalia and Tanzania would also be affected, according to director of Kenya Meteorological Service Joseph Mukabana.

“It is expected that strong waves with rough seas will be experienced along the Kenyan coast especially in Lamu and Malindi during the early hours of the night from 8pm,” he said.

Mr Mukabana added: “The coastal community is advised to watch out for any abrupt receding of sea water levels, which is an indicator of approaching tsunami waves.

In case of such observations, people should avoid going towards the sea. All mariners with small vessels should also avoid going into the ocean.”

Coast Provincial Commissioner Ernest Munyi said he had alerted the district heads in Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu counties to ask residents to keep off the beaches.

“Let all the locals and visitors quit the beaches to overcome a disaster. At the moment it’s not safe for anybody to stay on the seafront,” the PC warned.

Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi told fishermen to keep off the ocean.

“If you have a relative who is a fisherman, call him and tell him to leave the ocean immediately. It is very dangerous,” he said in Malindi.

The Kenya Ferry Services did not suspend operations on the Likoni Channel.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and will act accordingly should there be any new developments,” managing director Hassan Musa said.

Reported by Mathias Ringa, Sandra Chao, Mike Kalama, Zahra Rashid and Fred Mukinda