At least 155 people have tragically lost their lives in Tanzania due to floods and landslides caused by heavy rains linked to El Niño, the prime minister announced. Kassim Majaliwa warned that the rains may persist into May and advised families to evacuate flood-prone areas to ensure their safety.
The disaster has already affected around 200,000 individuals and over 51,000 households in Tanzania, with neighboring countries like Kenya and Burundi also grappling with the aftermath of the severe weather conditions. In Kenya, President William Ruto has mobilized the army to assist with rescue efforts as heavy rains have led to devastating consequences, including the destruction of homes and loss of life.
In Burundi, nearly 100,000 people have been displaced by the heavy rains, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The impact of the extreme weather conditions has been felt across East Africa, with infrastructure, crops, and homes being destroyed.
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) has been identified as a significant factor driving the heavy rains, with a positive phase of the IOD contributing to warmer sea-surface temperatures and increased rainfall. When combined with El Niño conditions, the region can experience extreme weather events, as seen in previous instances of severe flooding and loss of life.
As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating floods and landslides, efforts are underway to provide assistance to those affected and mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events.