Tanzania: 20 people have been killed by floods after heavy rain in the northern Tanzania, Ummy Mwalimu Ministry of Health said on Sunday.
Severe flooding caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon has killed hundreds of people in Kenya and Somalia in recent weeks. The rains have also left a trail of destruction, ruining infrastructure like roads and submerging towns in East Africa, displacing hundreds of thousands of people.
“We are very shocked by this event,” President Samia Suluhu Hassan said in a video message posted online.
“We have received the blessing of heavy rain in Katesh area, Hanang district, Manyara region which unfortunately has also brought disaster of floods. I am very sorry for the victims of this incident. I have directed our disaster response agencies in this area where they have already started the work to help rescue and prevent more disasters from happening. While these rescue efforts continue, let us put in prayers and supplications for all the victims and those who are on the front lines of the rescue work.” President Samia Suluhu Hassan said.
The more than 20 people were killed in Katesh village in the Hanang district of Manyara, the president said.
The heavy rain on Saturday night caused landslides in some areas of Mount Hanang, domestic media outlets reported, adding that the waters also swept away livestock.
Climate change is causing more intense and more frequent extreme weather events, scientists say.
In response, African leaders are pushing for new global taxes and changes to international financial institutions to help fund climate change action.
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