Heavy rains disrupt transport, flood homes across Tanzania

MOROGORO: HEAVY rains currently falling in several parts of Tanzania have caused flooding, damaged infrastructure and disrupted transport, with authorities urging residents in vulnerable areas to take precautionary measures.

In Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, a 70-year-old woman died at Kidete Station while attempting to cross the Mkondoa River, according to Kilosa District Commissioner Mr Shaka Hamdu Shaka.

The district commissioner said heavy rains that fell on Monday caused extensive damage in several areas, including Miyombo, Mahinda and Mkata Station.

Preliminary assessments show that more than 100 houses were flooded in Miyombo alone.

Mr Shaka said road communication in the Miyombo area has now been partially restored up to Mhenda, but the Kilosa– Mhenda road requires major rehabilitation due to the damage extent.

He added that the floods also affected Mkata Station, where the road was completely impassable for two days before becoming partially passable.

“During the floods the road was completely impassable, forcing motorists to use an alternative route through Dumila–Mvomero–Morogoro before proceeding to Mikumi,” he explained.

Authorities have also raised concerns about rising water levels in the Mkondoa River, warning that nearby residential areas could be flooded if the levels continue to increase.

Morogoro Regional Commissioner Mr Adam Malima has urged residents and motorists to remain patient as the government works to restore transport links damaged by the rains.

Mr Malima made the appeal after visiting the Mikumi–Ifakara road, where Bridge No 4 near Mikumi collapsed on Monday night, disrupting transport services.

He directed engineers from the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to work day and night to restore the connection as quickly as possible.

“The government is currently reinforcing one section of the road to allow vehicles to pass, but drivers of heavy vehicles should remain patient until engineers confirm that the bridge is safe,” Mr Malima said.

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Acting TANROADS Regional Manager Patrick Rambika said the damage disrupted transport along the Mikumi–Ifakara route, a key corridor linking several parts of the region.

Residents have also urged the government to speed up repair works, noting that the road is vital for the movement of people and goods.

Similar challenges have been reported in Mwanza Region, where prolonged rainfall caused flooding in several areas of Mwanza City.

Nyamagana District Commissioner Amina Makilagi said rainfall that lasted for more than six hours flooded roads and disrupted transport in parts of the city, particularly in Mkuyuni Ward.

She noted that although the rain was not extremely heavy, the city’s geographical landscape makes it easy for water to accumulate and flow across roads.

According to the district commissioner, about 30 houses were flooded in Mkuyuni due to the ongoing rains.

She urged residents to follow weather advisories issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) and evacuate vulnerable areas whenever heavy rain warnings are issued.

Makilagi added that some residents living in high-risk areas had previously been relocated during the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to reduce potential risks.

A Mkuyuni resident, Mr Elias Kavisha, called on authorities to improve drainage infrastructure to minimise flooding during heavy rains.

Meanwhile, in Arusha Region, continuous rainfall has also affected road transport, with several bridges becoming flooded and causing travel difficulties for residents.

TANROADS Arusha Regional Manager Reginald Massawe acknowledged the challenges affecting several roads and bridges, assuring residents that the government will repair damaged infrastructure using funds from the Road Fund.

He explained that the current procedure requires engineers to first inspect affected areas, prepare reports and submit them to headquarters before funds are released for repair works.

Authorities across the affected regions have urged residents living in flood prone areas to remain alert and take precautionary measures as rainfall continues in many parts of the country.