Tanzania orders precautionary measures ahead of expected El Niño rains

 

ARUSHA/MANYARA, Tanzania, September 16, 2026 — Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s Office responsible for Environment, Hon. Reuben Nhamanilo Kwagilwa, has directed regional authorities across Tanzania to take urgent precautionary measures against environmental risks that could arise from anticipated El Niño rains.

Among the measures ordered are the suspension of farming and commercial activities in high-risk areas along riverbanks, as well as the preparation of plans to protect and, where necessary, relocate communities living in flood-prone zones.

Hon. Kwagilwa issued the directives while continuing an inspection tour of Arusha and Manyara regions, which began on September 14, 2026, to assess areas vulnerable to flooding and strengthen preparedness for possible heavy rainfall impacts.

While inspecting areas around Lake Manyara, the Deputy Minister ordered an immediate halt to activities taking place in vulnerable riverbank zones and called for a protection plan for residents living along the Rift Valley escarpment, particularly in Mangara Ward.

The directives followed visits to Lake Manyara, Mangara farming areas, Migungani B and Jangwani, where the Deputy Minister assessed environmental conditions and human activities in areas considered vulnerable to flooding.

For his part, Director of Enforcement and Compliance at the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), Mr. Elibariki Bajuta, urged residents to comply with environmental laws and regulations and avoid carrying out activities in hazardous areas in order to reduce flood risks and potential damage.

The inspection involved district commissioners, local government leaders, security officials, councillors, environmental and infrastructure experts, as well as other stakeholders, as part of efforts to strengthen coordinated preparedness, protect lives and property, and reduce the impact of possible flooding.

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