DAR ES SALAAM: President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania on Sunday announced that more than 21 were dead due to a landslide at the Ng’alita mine in the Bariadi district, Simiyu region. The victims were small-scale miners seeking a livelihood, contributing to the nation’s development.
President Hassan expressed deep sadness in a Twitter post, stating, “These fellow Tanzanians were small miners in the area, trying to earn a living for themselves, their families, and contributing to the development of our nation.”
Details surrounding the tragic incident, including the time of occurrence and the number of miners potentially trapped under debris, remain unclear. Rescue efforts led by defense and security agencies, in collaboration with regional leaders, are ongoing to recover additional bodies trapped in the rubble.
Tanzania, along with neighboring East African countries like Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, has been grappling with flash floods attributed to torrential rains linked to the El Nino weather pattern.
Frequent Landslide Incidents in Tanzania
Last month, landslides in the hillside town of Katesh in northern Tanzania claimed the lives of 76 people. The downpours displaced 5,600 people, causing widespread destruction and prompting President Hassan to limit her participation in the COP28 climate talks in Dubai to address the humanitarian crisis.
The recent landslide at the Ng’alita mine adds to the challenges facing East Africa, which is still recovering from its worst drought in four decades. The extreme weather events, including floods and droughts, have intensified, and scientists attribute these phenomena to human-induced climate change.
President Hassan, during her visit to Katesh last month, acknowledged the need for the government to enhance preparedness, detect signs of potential disasters, and alert communities in advance to mitigate serious consequences.
