PM urges heightened El Niño preparedness

RUKWA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has urged households and communities to strengthen preparations for El Niño-influenced rains forecast for October to December, warning of potential flooding and damage to homes, infrastructure, crops and livestock.

Dr Nchemba made the call yesterday in Sumbawanga, Rukwa Region, while inspecting preparations for today’s climax of the 2026 Uhuru Torch Race.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has forecast El Niñoinfluenced rains during the OctoberDecember season, raising the risk of floods, rising river levels and other weather-related hazards in vulnerable areas.

The Prime Minister said public awareness and household-level preparedness were essential to reducing casualties and property losses, urging families to identify hazards around their homes, establish safe evacuation routes and prepare for emergencies before heavy rains begin.

“Parents and guardians have a responsibility to educate children about the hazards around them and the safe steps they should take during emergencies,” he said.

He cautioned children against sheltering under trees during thunderstorms and playing in or crossing fast-flowing water, warning that apparently shallow water could still pose serious risks.

“Do not underestimate water, even when it appears shallow and you are used to crossing that place every day. When it rains and you see the water flowing rapidly, do not underestimate the danger,” he said.

Dr Nchemba also warned against building houses in river channels, valleys and other areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides, saying some people expose themselves to disaster by settling in unsafe locations.

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“As I have said, sometimes we move towards floods instead of floods coming towards us. There are floods that we actually move towards ourselves,” he said.

He urged residents to clear drains and keep waterways free of obstructions, while checking roofs, walls and windows to ensure their homes were in good condition ahead of the rainy season.

Farmers and livestock keepers were also urged to follow guidance from relevant authorities and take precautions to protect their crops, animals and property from heavy rainfall.

The Prime Minister called on the public to follow TMA forecasts and official warnings and act early rather than wait for a disaster to occur.

“The government will continue strengthening national and grassroots systems to prevent or reduce the impact of disasters, provide information and raise public awareness so that everyone takes precautions,” he said.

He said effective disaster preparedness required cooperation among households, communities, government institutions, emergency response teams, health professionals, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

“National resilience begins in our households, begins in our families, begins in our villages and begins in our communities,” he said.