Tanzania: Heavy rains and flooding kill five in the south May 13-17 /update 1

Event

Heavy rains and flooding in southern Tanzania, notably in Kyela district (Mbeya region), killed five people and force at least 2570 people to flee their homes between May 13 and 17.

The Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) expects additional periods of rainfall across the country during the month of May. Related disruptions (transportation, infrastructure and material damages) are to be expected over the coming weeks.

Context

Heavy rains across Tanzania led to major transportation disruptions beginning of May. Some roads in Dar es Salaam became impassable and Dar es Salaam's Rapid Transit (DART) bus system came to a standstill. Rains in Zanzibar destroyed 141 homes, while areas in Tanga region were also flooded, leaving roads impassable. Residents in Bukoba (Kagera region) were also left stranded after the floods. There were also reports of major flooding in the districts of Kilombero, Mahenge, and Malinyi (Morogoro region), leaving roads impassable and people homeless.

Advice

Individuals in Tanzania are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate flooding, telecommunications and power outages, and widespread transportation disruptions (including due to flight disruptions and road obstructions), stockpile sufficient food, water, and medical supplies, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.