Tragedy strikes as landslides claim 47 lives in northern Tanzania
Northern Tanzania is grappling with the aftermath of landslides that have claimed the lives of at least 47 individuals and left 85 others injured. The calamity unfolded on Saturday as torrential rains battered the town of Katesh, located approximately 300 kilometers north of the capital city, Dodoma.
Local authorities, including Queen Sendiga, the regional commissioner in the Manyara area, addressed the media on Sunday evening, expressing concerns that the death toll might escalate. The landslides, triggered by the heavy rainfall, have cast a shadow over the region.
The incident follows a period of severe drought in East Africa, which has recently given way to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain and flooding. This shift has been associated with the El Nino weather phenomenon. Somalia has witnessed widespread flooding, displacing over a million people, while Kenya’s northwest region has also experienced significant displacement.
Scientists emphasize the potential amplification of El Nino’s impact by climate change, underscoring the vulnerability of the East African region to such extreme weather events.
As global leaders convene for the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, the landslides in Tanzania serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action. Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences to the affected families and announced the immediate deployment of resources for search and rescue operations.
“I have directed all government resources to support search and rescue efforts to prevent further loss of life,” President Hassan stated. “Our defense and security agencies, along with the Ministry of Health, are mobilized to the scene. The mining ministry will also assess areas where mountains display signs of collapse.” The nation mourns as efforts intensify to mitigate the impact of this tragic natural disaster.
About The Author
