Tanzania death toll soars to 155 as heavy rains continue in East Africa
Flooding in Tanzania caused by weeks of heavy rain has killed 155 people and affected more than 200,000 others, the prime minister said Thursday.
That is more than double the number of deaths reported two weeks ago as the heavy rainfall continues, especially in the coastal region that includes the capital, Dar es Salaam.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa told Parliament that the El Niño climate pattern has worsened the ongoing rainy season, causing flooding and destroying roads, bridges and railways. Flooded schools have been closed and emergency services have rescued people marooned by the floodwaters.
Majaliwa warned those living in low-lying areas to move to higher ground and urged local officials to ensure that provisions meant for those whose homes were washed away go to those who need it.
He said more than 51,000 households have been affected by the rains.
Heavy rains in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia triggered what aid agencies described as flooding seen only once every 100 years.
The East African region is experiencing heavy rains, with flooding also reported in neighboring Burundi and Kenya.
In Kenya, 35 people were reported dead as of Monday, and the number was expected to increase as flooding continues across the country.
In the Mathare slum in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, at least four bodies were retrieved from flooded houses Wednesday. Local media reported that more bodies were retrieved from the Mathare River.
Kenyan President William Ruto chaired a multi-agency flood response meeting Thursday and directed the National Youth Service to provide land for people in flood-affected areas.
Musambi writes for the Associated Press.
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