| Take forecasts seriously: TMA | Send to a friend |
| Thursday, 22 December 2011 22:06 |
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Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) has urged citizens to stop ignoring weather forecasts issued regularly by it, to prevent loss of lives and property during disasters such as floods. This follows heavy rains that have pounded Dar es Salaam for three consecutive days, claiming lives of more than 15 people, and leaving many families homeless. The rains have also caused the destruction of infrastructure including roads and bridges besides paralysing business activities in the city. The director of meteorological services at TMA, Mr Hamza Kabelwa, told The Citizen yesterday that the gency was working hard to furnish the public with information related to the weather, but noted that most people do not pay attention. “Many Tanzanians do not watch news on weather forecasts. After the completion of other news, they ignore weather forecasts and immediately switch to other programmes,” said Mr Kabelwa. Mr Kabelwa said part of the destruction caused by the three-day downpour could have been avoided, if the public seriously adhered to the information provided by TMA. Since September this year, the agency has been forecasting that there would be heavy rains in coastal areas and the Lake zone. However, the Agency was confident that there was still room to save the situation by improving dissemination of information in a way that people get and value it. “We need every one to participate in educating the people. The ministry of Education through schools, local government authorities and humanitarian organisations should play their part in this matter,” said Mr Kabelwa. Reported by Venny Sumila and Felix Lazaro Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
