Downpour leaves 2,500 homeless in central Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 2,500 people were left homeless after heavy rain destroyed 106 houses in Tanzania's central region of Dodoma, an official said on Thursday.

Simon Odunga, Chemba District Commissioner in Dodoma Region, said the heavy rain that started on Tuesday through Thursday have mostly affected three villages of Mrijo Chini, Kaloleni and Olborot.

"Most of the houses in these villages have been destroyed, leaving over 2,500 people homeless," Odunga told a news conference in Chemba district.

"We have closed three schools because they are submerged with rain water. They are not safe for pupils," said the district leader.

Odunga said most of the victims were being sheltered by relatives and friends, with some accommodated in special camps.

He said the victims, including children and women, were in dire need of humanitarian assistance, including medicines, mattresses as well as food.

Odunga said Chemba district authorities have relief supplies that could last for only one month.

"Our main concern is that the rains will continue pounding these areas and we may run short of the capacity to serve the victims," Odunga said, calling for assistance.

Odunga said preliminary evaluation showed that the floods have also killed livestock and destroyed other property.

The Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) in October 2017 issued an alert over the seasonal heavy rains that began in November, saying they might lead to floods and outbreak of water-borne diseases in some parts of the country. Enditem