Heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in Tanzania, death toll now at 40

Incessant heavy rains since late January continued to strike most parts of Tanzania, bringing the death toll to 40 by Friday, February 7, 2020. Around 1 750 houses have been destroyed and more than 15 000 were displaced in the worst-affected regions of Lindi, Mwanza, Morogoro, and Manyara.

From 21 deaths on Monday, February 3, the death toll jumped to 40 in just a matter of days. 21 fatalities were reported in Lindi, nine in Mwanza, seven in Morogoro, and three in Manyara. 

Godfrey Zambi, Lindi regional commissioner, said a total of 21 have been killed by floods. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa spent the whole day on Wednesday, February 5, inspecting the affected areas in the region.

Wilbroad Mutafungwa, Morogoro regional police commander, said three victims killed by floods in Mvomero and Malinyi districts were children.

In Babati district in Manyara, rains also wreaked havoc in roads, farms, crops, livestock, bridges, and public structures such as schools and hospitals. 

The rail transport between Morogoro and capital city Dodoma was also affected, prompting officials to suspend operations on Wednesday after rail stretch was washed away by rains.

"Technicians are working round the clock to restore the affected section of the railway line," said Masanja Kadogosa, the Director-General of the Tanzania Railway Corporation.

According to Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), light rains and thunderstorms are expected to continue in the affected regions in the following week.

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