In a tragic turn of events, Tanzania was plunged into mourning following a devastating accident on November 15, 2024, that claimed the lives of several wananchi and left many others injured.
Kariakoo, one of Dar es Salaam’s busiest markets, was struck by tragedy when a building collapse left 29 people dead. Some victims died instantly, while others succumbed during frantic rescue efforts, suffocating as time slipped away. At least 86 individuals were rescued from the rubble.
Following the incident, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was in Brazil attending the G20 Summit, ordered an additional 24 hours to rescue people trapped in the collapsed building.
The directive was issued during a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who was overseeing the ongoing rescue operation. President Samia expressed optimism that, with divine intervention, some victims might still be found alive, despite the standard 72-hour timeframe for rescue operations having elapsed.
Her instincts proved correct, as more citizens were successfully rescued during the extended operations.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa led citizens in a tribute ceremony for the victims at Mnazi Mmoja grounds in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam.
Amid public outcry over the cause of the building collapse and the whereabouts of the owner, the Prime Minister directed the police to locate the building’s owner to uncover the reasons behind the tragedy.
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Upon her return from the G20 Summit in Brasilia, Brazil, President Samia visited the Kariakoo area to console victims and businesspeople affected by the disaster. She also visited survivors receiving treatment at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) that same evening, demonstrating her commitment to addressing the tragedy without delay.
Business transactions and operations were temporarily suspended in the affected area. However, nine days after the collapse, then-Chief Government Spokesperson and Director of Information Services, Mr. Thobias Makoba, announced the resumption of business operations.
RUFIJI FLOODS
Another significant tragedy this year was the persistent heavy rains that caused widespread havoc, with 12 out of 13 wards in Rufiji District affected by flooding.
Assessments revealed that 23,000 households and 88,000 individuals were in urgent need of essential services, including shelter and food. Additionally, approximately 33,930 hectares of crops were submerged, leading to significant agricultural losses.
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Tragically, two people, including a 20-year-old woman and a one-year-old child, lost their lives in the deluge.
Engineer Dismas Mbote of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) attributed the flooding in Rufiji to human encroachment and activities along the river channel.
He noted that in May 1974, the water volume in the Rufiji River was recorded at 13,000 cubic meters per second, compared to 8,444 cubic meters per second during March and April of this year.
