Overview of Tanzania Floods: Casualties, Response, and Ongoing Impact
The flood event in Tanzania has resulted in a tragedy with fatalities confirmed at 63 people, according to the most recent official tally released by the prime minister, Kassim Majaliwa. The casualties include 40 women and 23 men, while more than 110 individuals were hospitalized due to injuries. In addition, reports from Tanzania’s Daily News indicate that dozens more remain unaccounted for after a landslide in Hanang, located in the Manyara region, over the weekend.
Prime Minister Majaliwa expressed sincere condolences and described the situation as an unforeseen disaster that caught the nation by surprise. He cautioned that there are likely additional victims still buried beneath rubble and urged the public to stay calm as relief efforts proceed in the hardest-hit communities. He emphasized the magnitude of the crisis, noting that it ranks among the country’s most serious disasters in recent memory.
The president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, who had earlier indicated that many of the deceased were under 60 years old, directed the prime minister to implement a broad set of measures. These include paying funeral expenses, covering medical costs for the injured, and providing durable housing solutions for all survivors who lost their homes. The president also ordered a full mobilization of official institutions to respond around the clock, with a focus on restoring normalcy as swiftly as possible and conducting a thorough damage assessment. The message was clear: mobilize resources, address immediate needs, and support communities through recovery.
Across Tanzania, floods recur as a major natural hazard, affecting tens of thousands of people each year. The consequences extend beyond immediate loss of life to long-term socio-economic disruption, particularly in the agricultural sector where livelihoods depend on reliable weather patterns and stable irrigation. This recurring threat underscores the importance of robust disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient housing and infrastructure that can withstand seasonal floods.
Public health and humanitarian relief efforts are central to the ongoing response, with a focus on medical care for the injured, shelter and basic needs for the displaced, and efforts to prevent disease outbreaks in crowded relief camps. Community leaders and local authorities are coordinating with national agencies to ensure rapid deployment of relief supplies, rapid damage assessments, and transparent communication with affected families. The broader goal remains clear: reduce risk, safeguard lives, and accelerate recovery so communities can resume productive activities and return to a sense of normalcy.