Tanzania: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across much of the country as of Dec. 4 /update 1

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Tanzania as of Dec. 4. Heavy rainfall Dec. 2-3 in northern Tanzania triggered flooding and landslides in parts of Manyara Region. Authorities have reported at least 47 fatalities and 85 others injured after a landslide hit around 100 homes in the town of Katesh in Hanang District. Response operations are ongoing in the region; the death toll may increase in the coming hours and days. Floodwaters, landslides, and other associated debris have blocked many roads in the area.

Heavy rainfall since mid-October has resulted in several rivers overflowing, flooding, and landslides in many other parts of the country. Eastern, northern, and northwestern regions have been worst affected, including parts of Arusha, Kagera, and Kigoma regions, as well as Dar es Salaam and other eastern coastal and island regions. Authorities have reported at least 12 flood-related fatalities in recent weeks and more than 10,000 people have been affected by floods and landslides. More than 1,200 homes have been destroyed and schools, roads, and bridges have been damaged in affected areas.

Disruptions in flood-affected areas will likely continue for some time as response and recovery operations continue. Further rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across much of the country through at least Dec. 10 and a yellow heavy rain warning (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) is in place across southern regions Dec. 4. Further showers are likely throughout the remainder of the Vuli rainy season through December. Heavy downpours will likely trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing relief efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.