Tanzania: Heavy Rains and Flooding Flash Update No. 1, 8 December 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

• Heavy rainfall in Hanang District, on 3 December, brought devastating floods and mudslides to northern Tanzania, killing at least 72 people, and affected about 5,600 people.

• Search and rescue operations continue to be a priority.

• Humanitarian partners are supporting the Government-led response and are deploying staff and supplies to the affected region.

• The Government has set up temporary shelters for the affected individuals and is providing food and non-food items, while Tanzania Red Cross Society (TRCS) teams are providing psychosocial support at the temporary shelters.

• Tanzania has been experiencing enhanced rains since the end of October, with heavy rainfall as a result of El Niño conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) which are currently present in the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean respectively.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Heavy rainfall in Hanang District in Manyara Region triggered mudslides which caused rocks, logs, and a large volume of water to flow from Mount Hanang towards Katesh township on 3 December. At least 72 people have lost their lives, 117 injured, and 5,600 people affected, according to official reports. The rains and flooding also destroyed 750 acres of various crops and killed many livestock. Infrastructure including roads, water points, electricity, and communication systems; health and education services and the environment were also destroyed.

Tanzania has been experiencing enhanced rains since the end of October, with alarming levels of rainfall as a result of El Niño conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) which are currently present in the Pacific and Indian Ocean respectively. The Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) indicated that the rains were expected to peak in October and continue into January 2024. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) predicted heavy rainfall (greater than 200mm) expected in parts of central Tanzania between 5 to 12 December.