Weeks of heavy rainfall in Tanzania have led to devastating flooding and landslides, resulting in 155 fatalities and 236 injuries, according to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.
The ongoing rainy season, worsened by the El Nino climate pattern, has caused damage across the country, including destruction of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and railways.
Prime Minister Majaliwa highlighted the environmental factors contributing to the crisis, attributing the severity of the rains to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices like “slash and burn” farming, and unregulated livestock grazing.
More than 200,000 people from 51,000 households have been affected, with flooded schools closing and emergency services rescuing those stranded by floodwaters.
Majaliwa urged residents of low-lying areas to relocate to higher ground for safety and instructed district officials to ensure that aid reaches those most in need.
The impacts of heavy rainfall have extended beyond Tanzania, with neighboring countries like Kenya and Burundi also experiencing severe flooding and displacement of thousands of people.
