Devastating Floods and Landslides Claim 155 Lives in Tanzania Due to El Niño

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Tanzania is grappling with a severe natural disaster as at least 155 people have died following intense floods and landslides triggered by heavy El Niño rains, according to Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.

The prime minister has also expressed concerns that the torrential rains might persist into May, urging families in flood-prone areas to relocate for their safety.

In a distressing report presented to Tanzania’s parliament, Majaliwa detailed the broader impact of the disaster, noting that approximately 200,000 people and over 51,000 households have been adversely affected.

"The heavy El Niño rains, accompanied by strong winds, floods, and landslides in various parts of the country, have caused significant damage including loss of life, destruction of crops, homes, citizens' property, and vital infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways," he added.

The situation is similarly dire in neighboring countries, with Kenya and Burundi also experiencing devastating rains that have created a humanitarian crisis across the region.

In Kenya, President William Ruto has mobilized the army to assist in rescue operations as heavy rains continue to affect large parts of the country, including the capital, Nairobi. In some areas, homes and possessions have been swept away, compounding the distress for many families.

The Red Cross reports that in Kenya alone, more than 10 people have died this week, bringing the total number of casualties since March to at least 45. Meanwhile, in Burundi, nearly 100,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing heavy rains.

BBC Weather’s Chris Fawkes explains that a significant driver of these rains is the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), often referred to as the “Indian Niño” due to its similarities with the Pacific's El Niño.

During a positive IOD phase, the western Indian Ocean experiences warmer waters, which can lead to heavier rainfall. The situation is exacerbated when a positive IOD coincides with an El Niño event, leading to extreme weather conditions in East Africa.

Historically, one of the strongest positive IOD events occurred alongside one of the most severe El Niño events in 1997 and 1998, resulting in catastrophic flooding that claimed over 6,000 lives across five countries in the region.

This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for effective disaster management and preparedness strategies, particularly in regions prone to such severe weather events, to mitigate the impact on vulnerable communities.