Torrential Rains and Flooding in Tanzania Claim Over 155 Lives, Prime Minister Reports

Tanzania is struggling with the catastrophic consequences of torrential rains and flooding that have claimed the lives of at least 155 people, according to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa. The heavy rainfall, linked to the El Niño climate pattern, has wreaked havoc across the country, affecting more than 200,000 people and causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and crops.

Majaliwa stated that the relentless rains, accompanied by strong winds, have triggered landslides and flooding, resulting in the loss of life, destruction of property, and significant disruptions to daily life. Over 51,000 households have been impacted, with 236 people injured and more than 10,000 houses damaged to varying degrees. The Prime Minister stressed the gravity of the situation, noting that the current death toll is more than double the number reported just two weeks ago.

Why this matters: The devastating floods in Tanzania highlight the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events linked to climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions. The loss of life, displacement of communities, and destruction of infrastructure underscore the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures.

The heavy rains have forced the closure of schools in severely affected areas, while emergency services work tirelessly to rescue those stranded by the floodwaters. Majaliwa urged residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground and called upon district officials to ensure that aid reaches those in dire need. "The government has taken steps to prevent further catastrophic situations, including ordering the closure of schools in severely affected areas and directing various agencies to assess and renovate damaged roads and railways," the Prime Minister stated.

Tanzania is not alone in facing the wrath of the ongoing rainy season. Neighboring countries in East Africa, such as Kenya and Burundi, are also grappling with the consequences of heavy rainfall and flooding. In Kenya, at least 35 people have lost their lives, with the death toll expected to rise as the flooding continues to ravage large parts of the country, including the capital city of Nairobi. Burundi has reported the displacement of around 96,000 people due to the relentless rains.

Experts attribute the extreme weather patterns to a combination of the El Niño phenomenon and the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). When these two climate patterns coincide, East Africa can experience significantly heightened rainfall, leading to calamitous consequences. The region has witnessed similar deadly flooding events in the past, with the 1997-1998 floods claiming over 6,000 lives.

Prime Minister Majaliwa pointed to environmental degradation, including deforestation, unsustainable farming practices, and unregulated livestock grazing, as factors exacerbating the impact of the heavy rains. "Environmental degradation, including deforestation, unsustainable farming practices, and unregulated livestock grazing, are the primary cause of the devastation," Majaliwa emphasized. The Tanzanian government has pledged to take measures to address these underlying issues and bolster the country's resilience to future climate shocks.

Key Takeaways

• Torrential rains in Tanzania have killed 155 people, affected 200,000+.
• Floods and landslides have destroyed homes, infrastructure, and crops.
• Extreme weather linked to El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole climate patterns.
• Environmental degradation exacerbating impact, government pledges resilience measures.
• Neighboring countries like Kenya and Burundi also facing deadly flooding.