Tanzania: Heavy rains disrupt transportation, destroy homes May 8

Event

Heavy rains across Tanzania led to major transportation disruptions on Wednesday, May 8. Some roads in Dar es Salaam became impassable for six hours, leading to road closures, and Dar es Salaam's Rapid Transit (DART) bus system came to a standstill. Rains in Zanzibar destroyed 141 homes in Mwanakwerekwe, Tomondo, Ziwa Maboga, Ziwatuwe, Pangawe, and Kinuni neighborhoods (Unguja Urban District). Areas in Tanga region also flooded, leaving roads impassable and travelers stranded near the overflowed road around Mombo and Mkumbala sections. Police in the region reportedly allowed traffic to flow one vehicle at a time at slow speed later in the day when water began to recede; however, authorities closed the road again overnight in case the rains intensified, as was the case in recent days. Residents in Bukoba (Kagera region) were also left stranded after the floods. There were also reports of major flooding in the districts of Kilombero, Mahenge, and Malinyi (Morogoro region), leaving roads impassable and people homeless.

The Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) expects additional periods of heavy rainfall along the coastal strip of the country during the month of May. Transportation disruptions are to be expected over the coming weeks.

Advice

Individuals in Tanzania are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate flooding, telecommunications and power outages, and widespread transportation disruptions (including due to flight disruptions and road obstructions), stockpile sufficient food, water, and medical supplies, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.