155 People Killed in Tanzania Due to Ongoing Heavy Rains in Eastern Africa

Tanzania is grappling with a severe flood crisis precipitated by ongoing downpours, leading to a death toll of 155 individuals, with the numbers expected to rise. In excess of 200,000 residents have been impacted, illustrating a significant escalation from earlier reports. The coastal region and Dar es Salaam—a major urban center—are especially hard hit.

The prime minister directed attention to the El Niño phenomenon as a catalyst aggravating the seasonal rains, resulting in extensive infrastructure damage. This includes roads, bridges, and railways, alongside educational interruptions due to school closures. Efforts by emergency services have been enacted to alleviate the situation for those isolated by the floods.

Warnings have been issued for populations in vulnerable zones to seek safety, and efforts are underway to ensure relief supplies reach the intended recipients, with over 51,000 homes reporting substantial effects from the flooding.

Nearby East African nations are confronting similar challenges. Notably, Kenya has reported fatalities and ongoing flood-related issues, with a recent body count in Nairobi’s Mathare slum. The Kenyan president has taken measures to coordinate a national response, enabling provisions for those displaced by flooding.