Officials in Tanzania report over 40 people have lost their lives after severe flooding and landslides in the north of the country.

Floods in Hanang District of the northern Manyara Region, Tanzania, 03 December 2023. Photo: Tanzania Red Cross (screenshot)

The disaster struck in the Hanang District of the northern Manyara Region of Tanzania from late on 02 December 2023. Heavy rain in the area triggered flooding and landslides to gush down steep slopes of Mount Hanang, and into areas around the towns of Katesh and Gendabi.

In a message expressing her condolences, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan initially reported 20 fatalities on 03 December.

“I have directed our disaster response agencies to this area where they have already started the work to help rescue and prevent more disasters from happening. While these rescue efforts continue, let us put in prayers and supplications for all the victims and those who are on the front lines of the rescue work,” the president said.

The situation is changing quickly as search and rescue teams work through the mud and flood debris that has buried much of the town. Numerous houses have been buried or swept away. Local media reported at least 300 households have been displaced.

As of early on 04 December, the Regional Commissioner of Manyara, Queen Sengida, said that the number of people who died due to the floods has increased to 49 after the discovery of more bodies. Officials warned that the death toll is likely to rise further.

Tanzania’s Ministry of Health reported at least 95 people have been injured, with many of them hospitalised.

The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, is expected to arrive in the Manyara Region on 04 December to assess the situation and hold meetings with local officials.

Wide areas of East Africa including Tanzania have endured heavy rains and flooding since late October this year, partly caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon.

On 24 November, the Red Cross reported a total of 10,090 people, or 2,018 households were affected across the country, with 1,245 houses damaged or destroyed. A total of 12 fatalities were reported. Areas of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha, Tanga, Kigoma, Kagera and Geita were among those affected.