Weeks of Flooding Worsen Situation
A significant blackout plunged most of Tanzania into darkness on Saturday as Cyclone Hidaya unleashed heavy rains and strong winds across the country. The effects of the cyclone were exacerbated by weeks of flooding in the region, leading to a state of emergency.
Ferry Services Suspended
Ferry services between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar were halted as Cyclone Hidaya made its way towards the East African coast, bringing maximum wind speeds of 120 kph (33 mph) and powerful gusts. Authorities issued warnings for residents to exercise extreme caution as the cyclone’s intensity escalated.
Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
In the wake of the disaster, reports emerged of schoolchildren stranded on a damaged bridge in Dar Es Salaam, painting a grim picture of the crisis unfolding in Tanzania. The prime minister revealed that the flooding had claimed the lives of **155 people** and affected over **200,000** individuals.
Climate Change Vulnerabilities
The East African region, including Kenya and Tanzania, has been grappling with the impacts of climate change, with officials attributing the recent spate of floods to heavy monsoon rains. The vulnerability of the region was underscored by the deaths of **70 people** in Kenya since the onset of the monsoon season in March.
Preparedness Efforts Underway
As the Tanzania Red Cross Society conducted preparedness campaigns along the coast, weather services reported unusually high levels of rainfall in coastal areas overnight. With the region bracing for the effects of El Niño expected to persist through the spring, the urgency of addressing climate change impacts has never been more pressing.