Tanzania renews alert over heavy rains as hundreds left homeless

Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-30 20:40:23|Editor: huaxia

Photo taken on Jan. 29, 2020 shows flood damage in Njinjo ward, Kilwa district of Lindi region in Tanzania. At least 4,500 people in six villages in Kilwa district in Tanzania's southern region of Lindi were reported to have been left homeless after their houses were demolished by ongoing torrential rains. (Xinhua)

As tens of hundreds have been left homeless in southern Tanzania after their houses were demolished by ongoing heavy rains, the country's weather watchdog forecast that five-day consecutive rains were expected in 16 regions.

DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- As tens of hundreds have been left homeless in southern Tanzania after their houses were demolished by ongoing heavy rains, the country's weather watchdog forecast that five-day consecutive rains were expected in 16 regions since Tuesday.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) said in its latest weather forecast that the rains expected on Tuesday were likely to hit in Mwanza, Simiyu, Shinyanga, Mara, Kagera, Geita, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Manyara, Rukwa, Iringa, Mbeya and Njombe regions.

The forecast said the rains were expected to disrupt transport, social services, businesses, damage infrastructure and submerge houses is some of the 16 regions.

TMA warned people in the 16 regions to get prepared for any eventualities.

Photo taken on Jan. 29, 2020 shows flood damage in Njinjo ward, Kilwa district of Lindi region in Tanzania.

On Monday, at least 4,500 people in six villages in Kilwa district in Tanzania's southern region of Lindi were reported to have been left homeless after their houses were demolished by ongoing torrential rains.

"The victims from the six villages have been accommodated in schools and churches after their houses were swept away by flash floods caused by ongoing heavy rains this week," said Christopher Ngubiagai, Kilwa district commissioner.

Apart from the washing away of the houses, the rains have also damaged road infrastructure, farms, and killed a good number of livestock, said Ngubiagai.

He said a rescue team has been dispatched to villages affected by the rains to assess the damage, appealing to individuals and organizations to help donate relief supplies for the victims.

People in Njinjo ward, Kilwa district of Lindi region in Tanzania, have been left homeless after their houses were demolished by ongoing torrential rains.

KEY WORDS:
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011102121387437701