Turmoil as death toll from floods, landslides in northern Hanang region in Tanzania rise to 63
National anguish and devastation has gripped the United Republic of Tanzania from ranging floods and landslides in northern Mount Hanang region in Tanzania that has seen the spiraling death toll rise to 63.
Scores of others have been injured and others rescued while tens of others remain unaccounted for and their whereabouts, safety and fate still remains unknown.
Over 5,600 people have been affected by the deadly deluge.
The devastating natural calamity comes days after an official serving under Tanzania president Samia Suluhu administration was captured in a viral video downplaying effects of floods accusing locals for settling in riparian wetlands in Kinodo area where a school going pupil was swept away and drowned.
A team of over 350 security officers have been deployed by President Samia Suluhu to help the victims at the slopes of Mount Hanang.
People’s homes and infrastructure have been damaged by the adverse weather.
Confirming the deaths reported to the press, Regional Commissioner of Manyara area in northern Tanzania Queen Sengida said over 350 soldiers have been sent for the rescue operation.
“So far, 49 deaths have been reported, and eighty-five people have been injured.” An official said.
However, Tanzanian authorities who spoke to The Informer Media Group intimated the death toll has since risen to 63 and fears are rife the fatalities could be significantly higher.
President Samia who was attending COP28 in Dubai in the United Arabs Emirates (UAE) was forced to cut short her trip but sent her condolences to the family that lost their loved ones and a quick recovery message to the injured.
Through a quick dispatch to newsrooms, president Samia’s spokesperson Zuhura Yunus has this evening said over 80 others had been hospitalized with injuries.
Yunus said the Tanzanian leader was returning to handle the catastrophe closely.
“President Samia, who has been in Dubai for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has decided to cut short her trip and return to the country as soon as possible to deal with the situation closely.” The statement read in part.
However, search and rescue efforts are being hampered defective telecommunications, blocked and damaged roads due to deplorable infrastructural network.
Flooding is said to be the greatest natural hazard in Tanzania, affecting tens of thousands of people each year.
The East African region has been badly hit by floods and landslides in 2023, partly caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Last month in Tanzania, higher-than-usual rainfall resulted in deaths and destruction to property in the capital Dar es Salaam, and the areas of Kigoma, Kagera, Geita, and Unguja.
Crops in some parts of the country have been washed away, affecting people’s livelihoods.
Tanzania’s meteorology agency has warned that the rains will continue this month.
In Somalia, thousands of people have been left homeless and hundreds left dead.
Scientists have warned that the current El Nino phenomenon is expected to be experienced upto early 2024.
They say that extreme weather conditions; floods, droughts, wildfires, and many more are because of climate change.
