DAR ES SALAAM: Heavy downpour in several parts of the country have triggered flooding, damaged infrastructure and disrupted transport, prompting authorities to urge residents in vulnerable areas to take precautionary measures.
In Kilosa District in Morogoro Region, a 70-year-old woman died at Kidete Station while attempting to cross the Mkondoa River, according to Kilosa District Commissioner Shaka Hamdu Shaka.
Shaka said heavy rains that fell on Monday caused extensive damage in several areas, including Miyombo, Mahinda and Mkata Station. Preliminary assessments show that more than 100 houses were flooded in Miyombo alone.
He said road communication in the Miyombo area had been partially restored up to Mhenda, but the Kilosa–Mhenda road requires major rehabilitation because of the extent of the damage.
Flooding also affected Mkata Station, where the road was completely impassable for two days before becoming partially accessible again.
“During the floods the road was completely impassable, forcing motorists to use an alternative route through Dumila–Mvomero–Morogoro before proceeding to Mikumi,” he said.
Authorities have also expressed concern over rising water levels in the Mkondoa River, warning that nearby residential areas could face flooding if the levels continue to increase.
Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima urged residents and motorists to remain patient as the government works to restore transport links damaged by the rains.
Malima made the appeal after visiting the Mikumi–Ifakara road, where Bridge No. 4 near Mikumi collapsed on Monday night, disrupting transport services.
He directed engineers from the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to work around the clock to restore the connection as quickly as possible.
“The government is currently reinforcing one section of the road to allow vehicles to pass, but drivers of heavy vehicles should remain patient until engineers confirm that the bridge is safe,” Malima said.
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Acting TANROADS Regional Manager Patrick Rambika said the damage disrupted transport along the Mikumi–Ifakara route, a key corridor linking several parts of the region.
Residents have urged the government to accelerate repair works, saying the road is vital for the movement of people and goods.
Similar challenges have been reported in Mwanza Region, where prolonged rainfall caused flooding in several parts of Mwanza City.
Nyamagana District Commissioner Amina Makilagi said rainfall lasting more than six hours flooded roads and disrupted transport in parts of the city, particularly in Mkuyuni Ward.
She noted that although the rainfall was not extremely heavy, the city’s geographical landscape allows water to accumulate quickly and flow across roads.
According to Makilagi, about 30 houses were flooded in Mkuyuni due to the ongoing rains.
She urged residents to follow weather advisories issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority and evacuate vulnerable areas whenever heavy rain warnings are issued.
Makilagi added that some residents living in high-risk areas had previously been relocated during the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Tanzania to reduce potential risks.
A Mkuyuni resident, Elias Kavisha, called on authorities to improve drainage infrastructure to minimise flooding during heavy rains.
Meanwhile, in Arusha Region, continuous rainfall has also disrupted road transport, with several bridges submerged and causing travel difficulties for residents.
TANROADS Arusha Regional Manager Reginald Massawe acknowledged the challenges affecting several roads and bridges and assured residents that damaged infrastructure would be repaired using funds from the Road Fund.
He said engineers must first inspect affected areas, prepare reports and submit them to headquarters before funds are released for repair works.
Authorities across the affected regions have urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain alert and take precautionary measures as rainfall continues in many parts of the country.