The death toll from massive floods and landslides in Tanzania has risen to 47 people

Dar es Salaam, December 3, 2023 (Xinhua) The death toll from massive floods and landslides caused by heavy rainfall in northern Tanzania rose to 47 people on Sunday evening, local officials said.

“The death toll has now reached 47 people, an increase from the 23 people announced earlier,” Quinn Sindiga, Manyara District Commissioner, told Xinhua by phone, adding that “the number of injured has reached 85 people.” .

Sindiga said rescue operations were continuing, adding that a special rescue squad from the Tanzania People’s Defense Forces joined other security agencies in search and rescue efforts on Sunday evening. She noted that “rescue operations will continue throughout the night.”

Earlier on Sunday, Sindega reported that rescue efforts were underway to assist individuals trapped by landslides on the Hanang Hills in Hanang District of Manyara Region, as well as to recover bodies trapped in the rubble. It identified the town of Katish and the villages of Gurdum, Jendabi, Mogito, and Ghidan Goni as the most affected areas.

Sindega described the situation as “terrifying” and said that one of the villages was completely submerged by the mudflow, which indicates a possible high number of casualties.

For his part, Gabriel Mboguni, a senior official at the Tanzania Geological Survey, said that a team from the institution was on its way to the area to conduct investigations.

Sindega urged the Prime Minister’s Office, security agencies and the Ministry of Health to expedite the deployment of staff and resources to the Manyara region to bolster relief efforts.

It is worth noting that Hanang district in the Manyara region is mostly inhabited by traditional cattle breeders. The region’s population is about 1.9 million, according to the 2022 census.

In August, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority issued recommendations regarding the September and December rainy season, warning that the season was likely to be affected by El Nino conditions. It also warned that the rains could have devastating consequences, including flooding and disruption of commercial activities and transportation.