Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Tanzania

Camillian Emergency Response - Tanzania Flood Emergency

Attachments

1. Introduction

The Rufiji area has historically been prone to flooding due to its geographical location and the seasonal patterns of rainfall. However, the situation has been exacerbated by the construction and operation of the Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Dam. While the dam serves as an important source of renewable energy for Tanzania, its presence has altered the natural flow of the Rufiji River, leading to increased risks of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

The recent flood disaster in 2024 has resulted in widespread devastation, displacing thousands of families and leaving them in dire need of assistance. Homes have been destroyed, crops have been washed away, and access to clean water and essential services has been severely disrupted. The most vulnerable members of the community, including women, children, and the elderly, are particularly at risk and require urgent support to meet their basic needs and begin the process of recovery. In Muhoro ward, 75% of the area is under water and about 17,000 people have been affected and are displaced and are living in primary schools building without basic needs, while in Chumbi ward around 1000 people have been displaced.

The intervention will contribute to emergency assistance to provide necessities of life and help reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, death among the most vulnerable communities from diseases associated with lack of proper health services, lack of clean and safe water, poor sanitation, food insecurity and poor nutrition in Internally Displaced People (IDPs) camps.