Envoys promise more assistance to flood victims
President Samia Suluhu Hassan listens to Mr Elibariki Naman of Jorodom Village in Hanang District, Manyara Region a resident of Jorodom Village in Hanang District, Manyara Region, on Thursday December 7. He is one of the victims of Sunday’s mudslide and flash floods, which killed at least 76 people and left a trail of destruction in their wake. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE
What you need to know:
- The diplomats met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr January Makamba, in Dar es Salaam and pledged more financial support to the survivors of the floods
Dar es Salaam. Members of the diplomatic corps representing their countries in Tanzania yesterday commended the government’s efforts in the Hanang rescue operation following deadly mudslides caused by heavy rainfall in the Manyara Region.
The diplomats who met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr January Makamba, in Dar es Salaam, pledged support and solidarity to the government.
The meeting was convened to brief the diplomats on the situation in Hanang and the measures taken by the government to address the disaster.
Mr Makamba said the mudslides resulted in the loss of 76 lives, injuries to 117 people, and extensive damage to property, homes, and infrastructure.
“The government is grateful to the international community for your messages of condolence and the support you provided to us during this time,” said Mr Makamba.
He said the Tanzanian government established a national disaster committee under the Prime Minister’s Office in cooperation with Manyara regional authorities and has opened a special disaster relief account to coordinate and receive various aid contributions to assist the survivors and facilitate the resumption of normal life.
The United Nations country representative to Tanzania, Mr Zlatan Milisick, praised the rapid and faster actions taken by the government in rescuing citizens and their property and notified Mr Makamba that the UN agencies in Tanzania have organised humanitarian aid that will be handed over to the government.
The Kenyan ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Isack Njenga, expressed solidarity with Tanzania, adding that they were offering prayers for the deceased and condolences to the affected families.
Speaking on behalf of the African diplomatic corps, the Somali ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Zahra Ali Hassan, extended prayers and support, saying that the African group has also organised humanitarian aid, which will also be delivered to the government.
The Mozambican Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Ricardo Mtumbuida, expressed condolences to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Tanzanian people, and all the survivors.
