700 homes damaged or destroyed after heavy rains hit Tanzania
At least 5 people have been killed, 5 are missing and thousands have been displaced after heavy rains hit parts of Mbeya and Songwe, Tanzania over the past couple of days.
Thousands of individuals have been displaced, while at least 700 houses have been damaged or destroyed by floodwaters.1
Other buildings, including education centers, roads, bridges, and agricultural crops sustained damage.
One of the worst affected areas includes Kyela District, Mbeya Region, where 5 people died, 5 went missing and more than 3 000 forced to leave their homes. The overflow of the Songwe River damaged transportation routes, cutting off communications in various areas.
According to the Tanzania Red Cross, more than 400 homes have been damaged and 318 completely destroyed. In addition, at least 10 000 ha (24 700 acres) of crops have been damaged, as well as drinking water wells, several roads and at least 4 bridges.2
Warnings for strong winds and high waves have been issued for coastal areas in Tanzania. On May 4 and 5, light to moderate rainfall is forecast over northern Tanzania.
References:
1 DG ECHO (TMA, FloodList, media) – May 4, 2022
2 Tanzania – Floods in South Leave 5 Dead, Thousands Displaced – FloodList – May 3, 2022
Featured image credit: Haroub TV (stillshot)
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