Zanzibar steps up El Niño preparedness

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has intensified preparations for the expected El Niño rains between October and December 2026, with authorities urging communities, institutions and residents in vulnerable areas to take early measures to protect lives and property.

Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, who also chairs the Zanzibar Disaster Management Committee, led a working meeting last week to review preparations for preventing and responding to possible impacts of the rains.

The meeting, held at the Zanzibar Electoral Commission offices in Maisara, brought together weather experts and officials from the Zanzibar Disaster Management Commission, who briefed the committee on the expected weather conditions and preparedness measures.

Mr Abdulla said although the government was preparing to prevent and respond to disasters that could result from the expected rains, every citizen had a responsibility to take precautions.

He directed committee members to ensure that government institutions and private organisations were fully involved and understood the potential scale of the situation to minimise damage to people and property.

Mr Abdulla said the time had come for every ministry, institution and individual to educate employees and surrounding communities about El Niño and the possible risks associated with heavy rainfall.

He also directed the ministry responsible for information, arts, culture and sports to ensure that public and private media outlets provide sufficient information and education about the expected rains and their potential impacts.

He further urged religious leaders, madrasa teachers and other institutions to use their platforms to educate communities and provide early warnings, particularly to people living in high-risk areas.

Residents in vulnerable locations, he said, should identify and move to safer areas before the rains begin, noting that the period of heavy rainfall could last for three months.

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Providing technical information during the meeting, Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) Zanzibar Zone Director General Masoud Makame Faki and Zanzibar Disaster Management Commission Director Makame Khatibu Makame said the expected rains were associated with rising sea temperatures.

They said sea temperatures were expected to rise to 3.6 degrees Celsius, contributing to the anticipated heavy El Niño rainfall.