Rain Soaks Northern Tanzania, Death Toll Rises

Heavy rain brought destruction to the town of Katesh in northern Tanzania, claiming at least 47 lives and injuring 85 others. The district commissioner, Janeth Mayanja, reported that the floods had resulted in a significant number of casualties, with the death toll expected to rise even further. According to Queen Sendiga, regional commissioner in the Manyara area, the situation was dire, with many roads blocked by mud, water, and dislodged trees and stones.

The sheer force of the rain caused devastating landslides, leaving homes submerged and vehicles stuck in thick mud. Livestock was also swept away, adding to the trail of destruction. Tanzania’s president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was attending the Cop28 climate conference in Dubai, expressed her condolences and ordered the deployment of more government efforts to rescue those affected.

In a region that had previously experienced an unprecedented drought, the recent torrential rain and flooding have been a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. East Africa has been hit by weeks of heavy rain, forcing over a million people in Somalia to flee their homes. In May, Rwanda was also devastated by torrential rains, which caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in the loss of at least 130 lives.

Scientists have linked the recent extreme weather events to climate breakdown, which is causing a rise in the frequency and intensity of such disasters. In response, African leaders are calling for new global taxes and changes to international financial institutions to help fund climate action. The situation in northern Tanzania serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to address this critical issue.

As the death toll continues to rise, the people of Katesh and surrounding areas are struggling to come to terms with the destruction caused by the floods. The long-term impact of the disaster remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the effects of climate change are far-reaching and devastating, and it is essential that world leaders take immediate action to mitigate its effects.