Tanzania Floods and Landslides Kill More Than 150
Tanzania was struck by a devastating natural, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Torrential rains, triggered by the El Niño weather phenomenon, have caused floods and landslides, resulting in the loss of at least 155 lives. The situation remains critical, with the possibility of further rainfall extending into May.
The Grim Toll
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa addressed the Tanzanian parliament, revealing the grim statistics. Alongside the fatalities, 236 people have been injured. The impact is widespread, affecting more than 200,000 individuals and over 51,000 households. The relentless downpours have ravaged homes, infrastructure, and crops.
Dar es Salaam: A City Under Siege
Tanzania’s bustling coastal city, Dar es Salaam, has borne the brunt of the disaster. Heavy rains have inundated streets, homes, and neighborhoods. Families have lost loved ones, and survivors grapple with the aftermath of destruction. One resident in northern Tanzania’s Siha district lamented, “I have nothing left; everything has been wiped away.”
Regional Crisis
The impact extends beyond Tanzania’s borders. Neighboring countries, including Kenya and Burundi, are also grappling with the consequences of unrelenting rainfall. In Kenya, President William Ruto has mobilized the army for rescue operations. Nairobi, the capital, has witnessed homes swept away, leaving families displaced and belongings lost. The death toll in Kenya has reached 45 people since March.
The heavy rains in Burundi have displaced nearly 100,000 people, worsening an already precarious situation.
The Role of El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole
The El Niño weather pattern, characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures, has intensified the rains. However, another factor—the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)—has amplified the impact. The IOD, often dubbed the “Indian Niño,” refers to temperature differences across the Indian Ocean. When both El Niño and a positive IOD coincide, as they did last year, East Africa experiences extreme weather events.
In 1997 and 1998, a similar convergence led to severe flooding, claiming over 6,000 lives across the region. Now, Tanzania faces a similar crisis, and the government’s response is crucial in mitigating further damage.
Urgent Calls for Assistance
Prime Minister Majaliwa’s warning echoes across the nation: El Niño-triggered heavy rains may persist. Relief efforts, evacuation plans, and humanitarian aid are urgently needed. As Tanzania mourns its losses, the international community must rally to support those affected by this natural catastrophe.
