Death toll rises to 4 in Tanzania heavy rains

Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-28 04:24:04|Editor: yan
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DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Two more people were killed by heavy rains in Tanzanian commercial capital Dar es Salaam on Friday bringing to four the total number of killed people.

Lazaro Mambosasa, the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, said two people were killed on Thursday and two more people perished in flash floods on Friday.

Mambosasa said the heavy rains that caused flash floods in most parts of the capital of 5 million people destroyed 100 houses and 200 other houses were submerged.

"Police are still collecting reports from various parts of the capital," Mambosasa told a news conference.

He said most of the people whose houses were damaged by the floods sought temporary shelters in schools and churches.

Usafiri Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit, a public transport company ferrying majority of city dwellers to and from work, suspended services for hours after roads were temporarily flooded.

Last week, the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) issued an alert over oncoming seasonal rains expected to begin in November saying they might lead to floods and outbreak of water borne diseases in some parts of the east African nation.

TMA said in a statement that incidences of short periods of heavy rainfall may lead into floods with various impacts to the society, adding that the seasonal rains will last from November to April 2018.

TMA advised disaster management authorities, humanitarian organizations and other stakeholders to take necessary mitigation measures, including good practice in livelihood activities, environmental conservation, land use and urban planning.

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