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In a solemn visit to the landslide-stricken region of Katesh in northern Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences on Thursday, revealing an increased death toll of 76 lives lost in the calamity. The devastating landslides, triggered by intense rainfall over the weekend, wreaked havoc in the hillside town, situated approximately 300 kilometers north of the capital, Dodoma.
President Hassan, surveying the aftermath, acknowledged the extensive destruction that saw vehicles swept away, buildings collapsed, and infrastructure decimated across various parts of the country. The revised casualty count reflects the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the toll exacted by the natural disaster on the community in Katesh.
Addressing the media, President Hassan declared the catastrophe a "wake-up call" for the government, urging enhanced preparedness measures to detect early signs and issue timely alerts. She emphasized the importance of proactive measures to avert such severe consequences in the future. The President assured that the government is committed to supporting recovery efforts in the affected areas.
The tragic incident underscores the vulnerability of regions prone to natural disasters and the imperative for robust disaster management strategies. As Tanzania grapples with the aftermath of the landslides, the President's visit signals a commitment to not only address the immediate crisis but also to implement measures that safeguard communities from the impact of unforeseen natural calamities.
