A local official reports that landslides triggered by flooding in northern Tanzania have resulted in the death of 47 individuals and injuries to 85 others. It is expected that the number of casualties will increase.
Janeth Mayanja, district commissioner, reported that the town of Katesh, located 300km (186 miles) north of the capital city Dodoma, experienced heavy rain on Saturday. On Sunday, regional commissioner Queen Sendiga stated to local media that 47 people have died and 85 have been injured so far. Both officials cautioned that the death toll may rise.
According to Mayanja, multiple roads in the region have been obstructed by mud, water, fallen trees, and rocks. It has also been reported that livestock were carried away by the current.
While attending the Cop28 climate conference in Dubai, Tanzania’s leader, Samia Suluhu Hassan, expressed her sympathy and announced that she has instructed for increased government initiatives to assist those affected.
Footage aired on TBC, the state-run television network, depicted numerous residences submerged in water and cars trapped in dense mud.
Following an exceptional period of dryness, the eastern region of Africa has been impacted by several weeks of heavy rainfall and inundation. The heavy showers have forced over 1 million individuals to evacuate in Somalia and resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives.
In May, heavy downpours resulted in destructive floods and landslides in Rwanda, resulting in the loss of life of at least 130 individuals.
According to experts, the changing climate is leading to increasingly severe and frequent extreme weather occurrences. As a result, leaders in Africa are advocating for the implementation of global taxes and alterations to international financial systems in order to finance efforts to combat the climate emergency.
This report includes contributions from Agence France-Presse and Associated Press.
Source: theguardian.com
