About 4,000 people in Kilwa District, Lindi Province, Tanzania
have been displaced and rendered homeless following heavy rains which resulted
to floods.
According to local dailies, the number of those affected by
the floods is 4,500 people, from the areas of Kilanjelanje, Nanirinji A Ruate, Njinjo,
Nakiu and Nanjirinji B.
District Officer Christopher Ngubiagai said on Monday that
properties and animals belonging to residents have also been swept away by the
floods.
“Rescue operations are underway and a team has been sent to
rescue the victims and take them to safe places or higher grounds,” said
Ngubiagai.
He called upon well-wishers and non-governmental
organizations to offer their support and assistance to the affected citizens.
Heavy rains hit the area since Thursday last week, resulting
to floods that have displaced many families.
In 2019, the country was hit with floods affecting the
livelihoods of residents, destroying houses and properties.
In October, heavy rains affected the central and northern
parts of the country, causing flooding and river overflow.
The number of fatalities increased to 18 people, with 11
recorded in Morogoro Region and significant damage to houses, infrastructure
and crops.
Reports show that 14 people died in Handeni district, Tanga
Region.
Since mid-October, several floods have led to a total death
toll of 44 people, a number of houses, roads, bridges and crop farms, also
being damaged.