BY GRACE MACHA IN ARUSHA
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has condoled Tanzania over the recent deadly floods in Hanang district, Manyara region.
The regional Assembly which has just ended its sitting in Kigali, Rwanda has linked the calamity to climate change, a phenomenon associated with global warming.
"The Assembly sympathizes with Tanzania over the disaster", said Shogo Mlozi, an EALA member from Tanzania from Kigali yesterday.
The flash floods and resultant mudslide had claimed 87 lives and over 130 injuries by Sunday (December 10th).
The horrific floods have also been reported in Kenya and Somalia which recently joined the East African Community (EAC).
In Kenya, some 160 deaths had been reported mainly in the eastern and northeastern regions by yesterday.
In Somalia, the Horn of African country often hit by severe droughts, over 100 had died following the killer floods.
The EAC has also expressed slidarity with Tanzania over the disaster as is the European Union delegation to Tanzania.
Through his X account, the EAC secretary general Peter Mathuki showcased regional solidarity with Tanzania.
"The EAC bloc is with the country (Tanzania) during this difficult and sorrowful moment", he said.
Dr. Mathuki added that the EAC stands in solidarity and shares deepest condolences to President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and the people of Tanzania on the loss of lives due to the heavy rains and landslide.
The EU Delegation to Tanzania and EAC, Ambassador Christine Grau also sent a condolence message through her X account.
“I am saddened by the calamity that occurred in Hanang district as a consequence of the flood.
"On behalf of the EU in Tanzania, I pray for the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” Ms Grau said.
Likewise, Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General, Mr Martin Chungong sent his heartfelt sympathy in a letter to IPU’s President, Dr Tulia Ackson, who doubles as a Speaker of the National Assembly.
It is estimated that torrential rains and flash floods have ripped through parts of EA, killing more than 350 people.
Over one million are reported to have been displaced across Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.
The unusually heavy rains are largely caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon and are forecasted to continue until next year.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment