At least five people were killed by flash floods caused by heavy and continuous rainfall in Arusha Urban district in northern Tanzania, a local official said Monday.
The floods have also left 90 people homeless and caused damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
Felician Mtahengerwa, the Arusha Urban district commissioner, said that the local authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage caused by the floods.
“We have recorded five deaths so far, but the situation could be worse, especially as most houses on the slopes of Mount Meru have been submerged,” Mtahengerwa said, noting that fallen trees have blocked some roads, rendering them impassable.
Mtahengerwa urged residents in the affected areas to remain calm, as authorities are working to repair damaged infrastructure and relocate people whose houses were affected by the floods.