Flooding and landslides in Tanzania have resulted in the deaths of 155 people and injuries to 236 others, with more than 200,000 people and 51,000 households affected by the heavy rains. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa attributed the worsened rainy season to the El Nino climate pattern, which has caused significant damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways. The effects of the rains were exacerbated by environmental degradation, including deforestation, unsustainable farming practices, and unregulated livestock grazing.
The prime minister urged those living in low-lying areas to move to higher ground and directed district officials to ensure that supplies reach those in need. In Kenya, 35 people have died due to flooding, with more expected as heavy rainfall continues across the country. President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua chaired flood response meetings to provide aid to those affected by the floods and to relocate residents living in vulnerable areas. In Burundi, around 96,000 people have been displaced by the relentless rains, while in Somalia, the Gu rains have intensified, leading to flash floods.
Across East Africa, the current rainy season has caused devastation with flooding reported in Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Somalia, and Uganda. In Kenya, parts of the capital Nairobi remain underwater, with more heavy rains forecasted. Emergency services are working to rescue people stranded by floodwaters, and the National Youth Service has provided land for those affected by flooding. In Burundi, the United Nations reported displacement of 96,000 people due to heavy rains, while in Somalia, flash floods have been reported since April. Uganda has also experienced heavy storms, leading to displaced villagers and fatalities.
Government officials in Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi are working to provide aid to those affected by the floods and to ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable areas. Climate patterns such as El Nino have worsened the heavy rains, causing widespread destruction to infrastructure and displacing thousands of people. The East African region continues to face challenges from the ongoing rainy season, with emergency response teams mobilized to assist those in need. The effects of environmental degradation, including deforestation and unsustainable farming practices, have further exacerbated the impact of the rains, highlighting the need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate natural disasters in the future.
