April 26, 2024
Heavy rain, flooding in Tanzania lead to at least 155 deaths
More than 200,000 people and 51,000 households have been affected by the rains, Tanzania’s prime minister said
Torrential rain and flooding in Tanzania have caused 155 deaths and 236 injuries while affecting more than 200,000 others, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa told parliament on Thursday.
“The heavy El Nino rains, accompanied by strong winds, floods and landslides in various parts of the country, have caused significant damage,” Majaliwa told parliament. He urged people living in low-lying areas to move to higher ground, and he urged local governments to ensure that supplies go to those who have lost their homes. He said more than 51,000 households have been affected to some degree.
The prime minister also said “environmental degradation” contributed to the destruction. He blamed deforestation, unsustainable farming practices and unregulated livestock grazing.
The rain has caused flooding, destroying roads and other important infrastructure in several countries in the region, including Kenya and Burundi.
In Kenya, 35 people were reported dead as of Monday, and the number was expected to increase as flooding continues across the country.
In Burundi, about 96,000 people have been displaced by months of relentless rains, according to reports from the United Nations and the government earlier this month.
Farther north in Somalia, the U.N. humanitarian agency said the April-to-June rains have been intensifying since flash floods were reported April 19.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in an update this week that in Somalia, the “Gu” rains (from April to June) were intensifying, with flash floods reported since April 19
