Tanzania Floods: Death Toll Rises To 155 Persons
The death toll from heavy floods and landslides in Tanzania has risen to 155 persons. The prime minister Kassim Majaliwa cautioned that the rains might continue into May, and urged families to vacate flood-prone areas. He added that the El Nino climate pattern has worsened ongoing rainy seasons and about 200,000 people and over 51,000 households were already affected by the disaster. El Nino is a Natural occurring climate pattern typically associated with increased heat worldwide, as well as drought and heavy rains. The devastating effects of the downpour were "primarily due to environmental degradation", Majaliwa said. He also blamed deforestation, unsustainable farming practices such as "slash and burn" agriculture, and unregulated livestock grazing.
