ARUSHA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has instructed leaders across the nation to collaborate with citizens in minimising the impact of floods.
Additionally, she urged leaders to exercise responsibility in their respective areas by monitoring the current rainfall and flood situations, while also fostering close cooperation with citizens during this challenging period.
The Head of State issued the directives on Friday while attending a special liturgy marking the 40th anniversary of the passing of Tanzania’s former third Prime Minister, Edward Moringe Sokoine, in Sokoine’s hometown of Monduli Juu, Arusha Region.
“While we cannot prevent heavy rains and floods directly, we can certainly reduce their effects and strengthen our efforts to cope with them. “Even though some of the affected areas are natural valleys or waterways that have experienced recurrent floods at different times, there are still areas where the government can improve” stated President Samia.
Dr Samia urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate with government officials in their respective areas, particularly in exercising caution when encountering flooded areas.
The Head of State emphasised the need for solidarity in providing aid and support to flood victims, calling upon leaders to play a pivotal role in rallying communities and raising awareness about precautionary measures.
“Efforts to address the immediate needs of affected regions are already underway, with plans in place to repair damaged infrastructure and provide essential assistance to those impacted by the floods,” she said.
President Samia assured the public that the government, under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s office, is committed to restoring stability in affected areas.
“In areas like Arusha and Meru district councils, monitoring and clean-up operations are ongoing to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents,” President Samia added.
The President reiterated earlier warnings issued by Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) regarding the risk of El Niño rains, which have persisted and are expected to continue until May 2024. President Samia also sent condolences for the recent loss of life in a tragic accident in Arusha as a result of ongoing rains and pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the root causes of flooding once conditions return to normal.
She emphasised the need for collective action in addressing the challenges posed by flooding, reaffirming the government’s commitment to implementing long-term solutions to mitigate future risks.
Last year, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) forecasted El Niño rains spanning from October 2023 to February 2024, later extending until May 2024.
El Niño rains are a familiar occurrence in Tanzania, having previously impacted the nation in 1982/83, 1997/98, and 2015/16, often resulting in significant flooding, particularly in coastal areas.
The region’s most severely affected by floods, prompting assessment visits by the National Disaster Committee, include the Coast region, specifically the Rufiji and Kibiti districts. These districts are situated within the flood-prone zone of the Rufiji River valley.
Another heavily impacted area is Mlimba in the Kilombero District of Morogoro region, located within the valley of the Kilombero River. Notably, the Kilombero River contributes 62 per cent of the water flow to the Rufiji River, which serves as a collection point for water from various regions, including the Ruaha Mkuu and Luwegu rivers.
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