Recent flooding in Tanzania and Kenya has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread damage to property and infrastructure. In Tanzania, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa reported that 155 people have died and 236 others have been injured due to the heavy rains and flooding. Over 10,000 houses have been damaged, affecting more than 200,000 individuals across the country.
Prime Minister Majaliwa attributed the severe weather conditions to the El Nino rains, which have also caused landslides and destruction of crops and infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways. The impact of the flooding has been felt in neighboring Kenya as well.
In Kenya, at least 32 people have lost their lives as a result of the flooding, with around 103,500 people affected by the ongoing heavy rains. The Kenyan Red Cross has been actively involved in rescue operations, conducting over 188 rescues since March. The capital city, Nairobi, has experienced road closures and widespread flooding in various neighborhoods.
Kenya Railways has suspended commuter train services nationwide due to the adverse weather conditions. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHR) has been monitoring the situation closely and providing support where needed.
The governments of Tanzania and Kenya are working to address the aftermath of the flooding, providing assistance to those affected and implementing measures to mitigate future risks. The resilience and solidarity of the affected communities are being tested, but efforts are being made to ensure their safety and well-being in the face of this natural disaster.
