Tanzania's Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, announced that flooding triggered by weeks of heavy rain has claimed the lives of 155 people and impacted more than 200,000 others in the country.

This figure marks a significant increase from the previously reported death toll, indicating the escalating severity of the situation, particularly in coastal regions and the capital, Dar es Salaam.

Majaliwa attributed the worsening situation to the El Niño climate pattern, which has exacerbated the ongoing rainy season, leading to widespread flooding and significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and railways. Flooded schools have been forced to close, and emergency services are actively engaged in rescuing individuals stranded by rising waters.

Expressing concern for those residing in low-lying areas, Majaliwa urged them to relocate to higher ground for safety. He also called upon district officials to ensure the equitable distribution of provisions to those displaced by the floods, with over 51,000 households reported to have been affected by the heavy rains.

The East African region as a whole is grappling with severe weather conditions, with reports of flooding also emerging from neighbouring countries such as Burundi and Kenya.

In Kenya, the death toll stands at 35 as of Monday, with expectations of a further rise as flooding persists across the nation. In Nairobi's Mathare slum, at least four bodies were recovered from flooded residences on Wednesday, with additional reports indicating further casualties along the Mathare River.

Responding to the crisis, Kenyan President William Ruto convened a multi-agency flood response meeting on Thursday. He directed the National Youth Service to allocate land for individuals affected by flooding, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing the humanitarian impact of the disaster. (ILKHA)