Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa of Tanzania announced on Thursday that at least 155 people have lost their lives due to torrential rains associated with El Niño, which triggered widespread flooding and landslides in the country.
Tanzania, along with other East African nations, is grappling with unusually heavy rainfall during the current rainy season, exacerbating the region’s vulnerability to climate change. Kenya has also reported numerous deaths as a result of the severe weather.
Majaliwa revealed that over 51,000 households and 200,000 individuals have been affected by the rains, with 155 fatalities and 236 injuries recorded thus far. Addressing parliament in Dodoma, the Tanzanian capital, Majaliwa described the havoc wreaked by the deluge, including loss of life, destruction of crops, homes, property, and vital infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways.
El Niño, a natural climate phenomenon, is known for its global impacts, ranging from heatwaves to droughts and heavy rainfall. In East Africa, it can have particularly devastating consequences.
In neighboring Burundi, approximately 96,000 people have been displaced by relentless rains over recent months. Meanwhile, Kenya has reported around 45 fatalities since the onset of the rainy season in March, with flash floods claiming 13 lives in Nairobi this week alone.
Kenyan President William Ruto convened an emergency multi-agency meeting to address the crisis, as floods caused chaos in the capital, blocking transportation routes and inundating homes in low-lying areas. Authorities have urged vigilance, warning of further heavy rainfall, and are preparing to relocate vulnerable communities.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua affirmed the government’s commitment to protect Kenyan lives and mitigate the disaster’s impact through comprehensive resource mobilization and response efforts.
In Somalia, the Gu (April to June) rains have intensified, leading to flash floods and displacement of over 800 people. The situation remains dire in the region, which is still recovering from previous disasters.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has highlighted the continued influence of El Niño, contributing to above-normal temperatures and ongoing weather anomalies. While the weather pattern is weakening, its repercussions persist, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated global action to address climate-related challenges and protect vulnerable communities.
