Flooding in Tanzania Kills 155 as Heavy Rains Worsen Across East Africa

Nairobi, Kenya - The recent heavy rainfall in Tanzania has led to catastrophic flooding, with a death toll of 155 people and over 200,000 individuals affected by the disaster, as revealed by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Thursday. This is a drastic increase from the previously reported fatalities, indicating a concerning escalation in the situation.

Climate Pattern Exacerbates Destruction

Prime Minister Majaliwa addressed the parliament, attributing the intensified rainfall and subsequent flooding to the exacerbated El Niño climate pattern. The adverse effects of the ongoing rainy season have resulted in the destruction of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways. Additionally, flooded schools have been forced to close, and emergency services are actively engaged in rescuing those stranded by the deluge.

Majaliwa urgently advised individuals residing in low-lying areas to relocate to higher ground to ensure their safety. Furthermore, he urged district officials to guarantee the effective distribution of provisions among those displaced by the calamity, citing that more than 51,000 households have been impacted by the relentless downpour.

Regional Impact and Ongoing Crisis

Not limited to Tanzania, the East African region is grappling with the repercussions of the intense rainfall. Neighboring countries like Burundi and Kenya have also reported instances of flooding, with the death toll in Kenya reaching 35 individuals as of the previous Monday. Tragically, the situation is expected to further deteriorate as the flooding persists.

Kenyan President's Directives

In response to the crisis, Kenyan President William Ruto presided over a comprehensive flood response meeting on Thursday. He issued directives for the National Youth Service to allocate land for those affected by the floods, demonstrating a proactive approach to address the pressing needs of the impacted communities.