Tanzania is grappling with a devastating humanitarian crisis as relentless heavy rains and Cyclone Hidaya cause widespread destruction across the country.
The death toll has surpassed 150, with hundreds injured and thousands displaced by floods and landslides.
The coastal regions of Tanzania bore the brunt of Cyclone Hidaya’s fury. Drone footage revealed numerous collapsed houses and damaged infrastructure, disrupting travel and communication networks.
Critical roads connecting Dar es Salaam with the southern regions are in ruins, hindering relief efforts.
The Kilwa district of the Lindi region has been particularly hard-hit. Homes have been destroyed, farms submerged, and hundreds of people have been forced to evacuate to schools and public buildings.
Local authorities are scrambling to evacuate residents from hazardous areas and assess the full extent of the damage.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed authorities to provide immediate relief aid to those affected. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has ordered intensified rescue efforts in Kilwa, where many families remain trapped by floodwaters.
The Minister of Works has assured the restoration of communication between Dar es Salaam and Lindi within 72 hours.
The situation is not limited to the cyclone’s impact. Heavy rains throughout April have caused severe flooding across Tanzania, particularly in the Rufiji district.
This flooding has resulted in hundreds of injuries, over 150 deaths, and extensive damage to infrastructure and buildings. Tens of thousands of residents in Rufiji are now in dire need of essential supplies, including food, shelter, clean water, and medical assistance.
With crops destroyed and vital infrastructure damaged, Tanzania faces a long road to recovery.
The international community is being urged to provide urgent assistance to help the country cope with this unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
