FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES KILL MORE THAN 150 IN TANZANIA AS HEAVY RAINS CONTINUE IN EASTERN AFRICA

Fri 26  April 2024:

El Nino-related torrential rains in Tanzania have caused landslides and flooding that have claimed at least 155 lives, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said Thursday.

During the current rainy season, Tanzania and other East African nations—which are particularly sensitive to climate change—have been battered by more rain than usual. Dozens of deaths have also been reported in Kenya.

According to Majaliwa, the rains have affected over 200,000 people and 51,000 houses, resulting in 155 fatalities and 236 injuries.

“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 on Thursday.

The devastating effects of the rains were “primarily due to environmental degradation”, Majaliwa added, blaming deforestation, unsustainable farming practices such as “slash and burn” agriculture and unregulated livestock grazing.

Majaliwa warned those living in low-lying areas to move to higher ground and urged district officials to ensure that provisions meant for those whose homes were washed away go to those in need of the supplies.

Kenya battered by more rain

The East African region has been pounded by heavier-than-usual rainfall during the current rainy season, with flooding also reported in neighbouring Burundi and Kenya.

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, one of the poorest countries on the planet, around 96,000 people have been displaced by months of relentless rains.