Devastating Floods Kill 58 In Tanzania, Heavy Rains Persist

Tanzania has been grappling with catastrophic floods over the past two weeks, resulting in the loss of 58 lives and sparking urgent calls for infrastructure improvements to prevent future tragedies. The government revealed the death toll amid ongoing heavy rains, compounded by the global El Niño phenomenon.

According to spokesperson Mobhare Matinyi, the period from April 1 to April 14 witnessed relentless downpours, particularly impacting the coastal region where 11 fatalities occurred. To address this recurring issue, the government has announced plans to construct 14 dams aimed at reducing the risk of future flooding.

This recent disaster follows a similar incident four months ago, where floods in northern Tanzania claimed the lives of at least 63 people and triggered devastating landslides. Tragically, last Friday, eight schoolchildren drowned when their bus plunged into a flooded gorge in the north, resulting in the loss of a volunteer involved in rescue efforts.

The floods have affected over 126,831 people, with more than 75,000 farms damaged in coastal and Morogoro areas. Despite the widespread destruction, relief efforts to provide essential supplies, including food, to affected communities are underway.

The impact of heavy rains extends beyond Tanzania, with other parts of East Africa, including neighbouring Kenya, also witnessing flooding-related fatalities. Consequently, urgent action is needed to address infrastructure damage and relocate individuals residing in flood-prone areas.

Scientists from the World Weather Attribution Group have highlighted that rainfall in East Africa between October and December was among the most intense ever recorded in the region, emphasizing the critical need to implement measures to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events.