Floods wreak havoc in Tanzania, claim five lives and destroy property

Heavy rains have continued pounding in Dar es Salaam and other parts of the country causing untold suffering among residents especially those occupying low lying areas. The early morning rains today threatened to bring business to a stand still as many roads were flooded, becoming impassable, forcing many workers to either fail to report for duty or report late.

The situation was unbearable as many houses were flooded submerging property and all household goods. Some shops in residential areas were not spared either with their owners waiting to count their losses when the floods subsidies.

And, with the meteorological agency having issued an alert that the rains are expected to continue pounding coastal areas, more still needs to be done to save lives and property. Five people were reportedly killed yesterday due to lightning, drowning and electrical shocks. The damages caused by today’s rains and floods are still to be announced.

Helicopters had to be used to save thousands of lives in low lying areas of Dar es salaam as some had no option but to get on top of the roofs of their houses.

It all started around 3am yesterday when a heavy downpour with thunder and strong winds hit the city leading to power blackouts in many parts of the city. The same thing repeated itself today as early morning heavy rains caused floods that will definitely leave many people counting their losses.

Rescue efforts are continuing in various parts of the town.

300 families homeless in Dodoma

Flood waters swept across 70 houses in Ntyuka and Iyumbu wards in Dodoma municipality on Monday Night rendering about 300 families homeless. The families are now in need of relief supplies.

This was confirmed by the Dodoma Municipal Council Director, Nicholas Buleta who said supplies including food had been distributed to the affected people but were not adequate to satisfy demand.