Heavy rain showers have killed at least 155 people in Tanzania. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said that the torrential rains caused floods and landslides, among other things.
The severe weather caused extensive damage in various country regions. The prime minister said more than 51,000 households and 200,000 people were affected, about 236 people were injured, and more than 10,000 homes were damaged.
On April 14, a government spokesperson reported 58 deaths in the first two weeks of the month. The death toll has now risen to 155.
April marks the peak of the rainy season in Tanzania. This year’s rainfall is combined with the El Niño weather phenomenon, which started in mid-2023 and can last until May. El Niño causes seawater to warm and thus also affects the weather.
It leads to drought in some parts of the world and heavy rainfall in others. Countries in East Africa are currently still struggling with severe weather.