Observed periods of heavy rainfall in Tanzania since 14 January, 2016, continue to cause flooding in different regions of Tanzania, including Morogoro, Katavi and Dar es Salaam.
On 28 January 2016, six people drowned after the vehicle in which they were travelling was swept away. Five others, including the driver, managed to escape. According to local media, the group were attempting to cross the swollen Koga River on the border between Katavi and Tabora regions.
In Dar es Salaam, heavy rainfall on 28 January that lasted close to two hours, resulted in floods on the city’s roads, in particular in Kinondoni district.No evacuations of fatalities have been reported.
The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled), Ms Jenista Mhagama, said in a statement to the National Assembly on 28 January that Kilombero and Ulanga districts have been cut-off as heavy rains have destroyed road network linking the two areas.
The minister was giving a statement on the capsizing of a ferry on the Kilombero river (also known as the Ulanga River) on 27 January. The ferry service would normally link the two communities. Later reports revealed that all 31 passengers had managed to swim to safety.
According to Tanzania Daily News, the Minister “further warned the public on the impending rains and storms, which are likely to destroy the infrastructure and other property. She directed disaster management committees in the local governments to coordinate with the national disaster management in the Prime Minister’s Office in case of any catastrophe in their areas”.
In the Mtwara Region, Mtwara District commissioner Fatuma Ally said that around 500 homes have been damaged by floods and heavy rain in Mikindani, Mtwara Municipality. She told The Citizen newspaper:
“More than 500 households have been affected by the rainstorms. We have managed to reach all 18 wards to ascertain the extent of the damage.”
Rainfall Warnings
Although the October-November-December (OND) seasonal rains are over, Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) has said that there is still a likelihood of rainfall outside the normal season in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Kilimanjaro Regions.
TMA also warned that above normal levels of rainfall in Ruvuma, Rukwa, Iringa and Mbeya regions are expected to go on until April. They urged the public to take all precautions.
Rainfall
Rainfall figures for a 24 hour period, according to Tanzania Meteorological Agency.
28 January – Mtwara (city) 109.9mm and Dar es salaam 105.1mm
29 January- Tanga 141.8mm and Pemba 63.1mm
31 January – Morogoro (city) 57.6mm
01 February – Mahenge (Morogoro region) 59.4mm and Naliendele (Mtwara region) 53.6mm
02 February – Mtwara (city) 77.0mm, Songea (Ruvuma region) 58.0mm and Kibondo (Kigoma region) 50.5mm
