At least 12 people dead after heavy rains trigger flooding in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

At least 12 people lost their lives after heavy rain and flooding hit Dar es Salaam, Tanzania overnight Tuesday to Wednesday, October 13 to 14, 2020.

The deaths occurred in Ilala and Kinondoni Police Zones, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Lazaro Mambosasa reported Thursday, October 15.

"At around 16:00 UTC (19:00 LT) on October 13, Mariam Yahaya (45), a resident of Vingunguti, died after she drowned while trying to save her belongings which were washed away by water," he said in a statement.

Yahaya's remains were retrieved in the Msimbazi River, so as five other bodies. Two of the casualties were identified as 18-year-old Herieth Kanuti and 19-year-old Ipyana Mwakifuna. The other three were yet to be identified.

The body of another victim, 30-year-old Philipo Feliciani from Tabata Kimanga, was found in Tenge River on Wednesday.

"The victim died after falling off and being washed away by water as he tried to cross the bridge used by pedestrians at Tabata Kimanga."

Two unidentified men were found dead in Ukonga-Sabasa and Msimbazi River. Meanwhile, two children from the same family drowned after their house in Kogogo valley was inundated. Two adults were also killed.

Mambosasa said all bodies have been taken to the Muhimbili National Hospital.

Heavy rains started pouring in the early hours of Tuesday and continued relentlessly until Wednesday, causing major floods. 

Featured image credit: Joshua Shora