Tanzania braces for flood: Downpours cause damage, evacuations ordered in high-risk areas

In Morogoro, five students were trapped by rising waters while washing clothes by the river.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has predicted normal to below-normal rainfall in northern coastal areas, northern Kigoma, and the Lake Victoria basin (including Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, Shinyanga, and western Simiyu and Mara).

In contrast, normal to above-normal rainfall is expected in the northern highlands and eastern parts of Mara and Simiyu.

TMA said in a statement that the long rains (March–May 2025) would commence in early March in the Lake Victoria basin and northern coastal regions, with the northern highlands receiving rains from the second and third weeks of the month. Rainfall intensity is expected to increase in April.

The agency has urged various sectors—including agriculture, food security, livestock, fisheries, wildlife, tourism, energy, water, transportation (land, maritime, and air), urban planning, health, and disaster management—to take precautionary measures.

Anticipated impacts include excessive moisture, possible flooding, and risks to crop growth in areas expecting normal to above-normal rainfall. Water levels in rivers and reservoirs are predicted to rise, increasing flood risks, while waterborne diseases may emerge due to contamination.

Dar es Salaam situation

On March 27, heavy rains caused the collapse of the temporary bridge linking Bonyokwa and Kinyerezi, severely disrupting transport.

The bridge was constructed after the previous one was demolished by contractors involved in the road construction project.

A resident of Bonyokwa, Ms Sara Philimon, expressed frustration: "I couldn’t go to work today (March 28) because of the bridge collapse. It’s not just me; even students couldn’t go to school. Some parents had to escort their children through alternative routes. We urge the government to intervene and restore normalcy."

Another resident, Samaduni Mlimbwa, criticised contractors for ignoring advice from locals: "We warned them that the temporary bridge wouldn’t withstand the heavy water flow, especially with debris like tree branches and leaves. But they didn’t listen, and now we are suffering."

In contrast, residents of Kigogo Mbuyuni have praised the cleaning of the Msimbazi River, which has prevented flooding in their area.

A resident, Ms Asha Shukurani, noted that clearing sand and debris from the river has safeguarded their homes from water damage.

Kigogo Mbuyuni neighbourhood chairman in Kigogo Ward, Mr Abdallah Mkuja, commended the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) for removing logs and debris from bridge drainage systems along Kawawa Road, significantly reducing flood risks.

Morogoro flooding incident

The Morogoro Regional Fire and Rescue Commander, Mr Shabani Marugujo, reported that five students from Jabal Hilla Islamic Secondary School were stranded by floodwaters while washing clothes near the Morogoro River on March 27 at 5:00 pm.

The rescued include Form One students Joel Aloyce (14) and Sadrudin Abdallah (13), along with Form Six students Mohamed Ally (21), Yahaya Hakimu (21), and Abdallah Shafii (21).

"We received information from a Good Samaritan and dispatched a team of officers who accomplished the rescue mission before they suffered any harm," said Commander Marugujo, urging residents to avoid riverside activities during the rainy season.

Morogoro District Commissioner Mussa Kilakala assured that although blocked drainage systems had caused minor waterlogging in some areas, the ongoing rains had not caused severe damage.

He advised parents to monitor their children and keep them away from flood-prone zones.

Kilimanjaro authorities issue warnings

In Kilimanjaro, Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu has ordered residents in high-risk areas to evacuate immediately to prevent disasters.

"Certain areas are repeatedly affected by floods. Residents must act now to avoid danger," he stated.

He also directed district commissioners and municipal directors to oversee the relocation of at-risk residents while instructing relevant authorities to clear clogged drainage systems and repair damaged roads to ensure the continuity of transport services during the rainy season.

Hai district executive director Dionis Myinga confirmed that awareness campaigns had been conducted, and some residents in high-risk zones, such as Sanya station and Rundugai, had already begun relocating.

However, some residents in Mji Mpya Ward have appealed for government assistance in finding alternative settlement areas.

A resident of Kwakomba, Ms Hadija Juma, pleaded: "We acknowledge that we live in a high-risk zone, and last year, floods destroyed homes and claimed lives. But we have nowhere else to go. The government should help us relocate."

A Kahe resident, Mr Elinihaki Mbwambo, shared her concerns, calling on authorities to implement permanent solutions for residents in flood-prone areas.