Death toll in the landslides that hit Katesh town in Manyara Region, northern Tanzania, has risen to 57.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan says 85 more people are receiving treatment at the Manyara Regional Referral Hospital, Hanang Tumaini District Hospital and Gendabi Health Center.
State to cover flood victims’ expenses
Additionally, President Suluhu has since directed Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa — through the Disaster Management Unit — to ensure that the government covers funeral expenses for people who lost their lives.
The government, President Suluhu says, will also cover all the necessary medical expenses for all those who were injured in the landslides.
“Serikali iwape makazi ya muda wote waliopoteza makazi yao. Vitengo na taasisi zetu zote za Serikali zinazohusiana na maafa kuwepo eneo la tukio na kufanya kazi usiku na mchana ili kuhakikisha hali inarejea kawaida,” President Suluhu directed the prime minister.
The deadly landslides was caused by flooding due to the heavy rainfall in Manyara region.
Those affected are hundreds of residents residing on the slopes of Mt. Hanang.
“Many roads in the area have been blocked by mud, water and dislodged trees and stones,” Manyara regional commissioner Queen Sendiga told journalists.
Heavy rains in East Africa
The East African Region has been receiving heavy rains occasioned by the El-Nino effect.
In Kenya, the death toll from flood-related incidences stood at 136 as at December 2, 2023.
According to the National El Nino Emergency and Disaster Response Command Centre, the number of households displaced stood at 92,432, which comprises 462,160 people.
On Monday, December 4 morning, hundreds of residents in Voi Town were left homeless after Voi River burst its banks.
