155 die in Tanzania flood

At least 155 people have died and more than 200,000 have affected due to flooding in Tanzania caused by weeks of heavy rain.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa told the parliament on Thursday.

The El Niño climate pattern has worsened the ongoing rainy season, causing the flooding and destroying roads, bridges and railways. Flooded schools have been closed and emergency services have rescued people marooned by the flood waters, the Prime Minister said.

Majaliwa warned those living in low-lying areas to move to higher ground and urged district officials to ensure that provisions meant for those whose homes were washed away go to those in need of the supplies. He said more than 51,000 households have been affected by the rains.

The East African region is experiencing heavy rains, with flooding also reported in neighboring Burundi and Kenya.