Recent heavy rainfall in Tanzania has led to devastating flooding, resulting in the loss of 155 lives and affecting over 200,000 individuals, according to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa. The situation has worsened due to the El Niño climate pattern, exacerbating the ongoing rainy season and causing significant damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways.
Prime Minister Majaliwa emphasized the need for residents in low-lying areas to relocate to higher ground to ensure their safety. He also urged district officials to prioritize the distribution of essential supplies to those most in need, with more than 51,000 households impacted by the heavy rains.
Neighboring countries in the East African region, such as Burundi and Kenya, are also grappling with the effects of heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding. In Kenya, at least 35 fatalities have been reported, with the number expected to rise as flooding persists across the nation.
In Nairobi's Mathare slum, rescue efforts have been underway to retrieve bodies from flooded houses and the Mathare River. The Kenyan government, led by President William Ruto, has taken action by convening a multi-agency flood response meeting and directing the National Youth Service to provide assistance and shelter to those affected by the floods.
The situation in both Tanzania and Kenya underscores the urgent need for coordinated disaster response efforts and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities in the region.
