KAGERA: THE Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force Kagera Regional Officer-in Charge Senior Assistant Commissioner (SACF) Zabron Muhumha has cautioned to be vigilant about the predicted heavy rains that might cause great havoc the area’s residents.
Equally, he warned fishermen and parents of strong pending winds on Lake Victoria, while advising people living in flood prone areas to shift to safer places.
The warning follows a recent report by the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) indicating that Kagera region was among regions which would experience normal and above normal rainfall between October to November, this year.
In the details, some areas prone to floods in Bukoba Municipal Council were cited as Omugikusha, Kanoni (Bilele Ward), Kashabo and Shabridin (Bakoba), Matopeni (Kashai) and parts of Nyamkazi (Bilele Ward).
“People living in flood prone areas should shift to safer areas for their own safety while fishermen conducting fishing business along Lake Victoria should also be careful following strong winds. Parents, on the other hand, should not allow their children to go alone on the Lake to avoid drowning,” he said.
SACF Muhumha explained that within a spell of three months about five people had drowned while swimming along Lake Victoria adding that the high winds would continue until next month, thus a need for residents who depend on the Lake Victoria for their livelihoods to take necessary precautions.
Last week, a canoe boat that was carrying 24 passengers capsized while plying between Kerebe Island in Muleba district. One person was reported missing, three sustained injuries while 20 others were rescued, he said.
SACP Muhumha also tasked boat owners and operators to ensure that passengers wear safety jackets and should have a manifest of all the passengers.
A few weeks ago, two fishermen went missing at Bukoba DC’s Malehe Camp following heavy rain accompanied by strong winds. 30 houses were also unroofed by strong winds including a church owned by the Catholic diocese and a Red Cross office.
Meanwhile, Muleba District Executive Director (DED), Dr Peter Nyanja has said that an official with the Accounts department at Muleba Council died on the spot when a car he was traveling in overturned.
He identified the deceased as Almolaus Kanga adding that the body was transported to his home village in Mara region for burial on Tuesday.