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Oxfam Ireland Core Country: Tanzania

Floods in Northern Tanzania

Mines in Northern Tanzania

Monday 07 April - Michael O'Riordan, Oxfam Ireland's Humanitarian Coordinator, reports from Tanzania that:

On Saturday 29 March 2008 unusually heavy rains fell on the Mirerani area of Tanzania , just south of Mt Kilimanjaro. The rains caused a brief flash flood lasting about 2 hours and swept off the surrounding hills and through several villages in the Mirerani sub-district.

Mines

The rains caused flooding of eight mines in the region, killing up to 70 artisanal mine workers caught below ground. A recovery operation to retrieve the bodies has been set underway and is currently being coordinated by the District Commissioner. At the time of writing, 44 bodies are known to have been recovered.

Through Oxfam Ireland 's partner Tanzania Mine Workers Development Organisation (TMWDO) an initial support was given to one mine, to provide digging equipment and protective gear to other miners who led recovery operations.

Villages

The rains caused a flash flood and swept through four villages around Mirerani ward causing destruction of property and displacement of people. According to official figures, 377 houses have been destroyed and 294 latrines have been damaged. A total of 263 households have been affected and are now living with relatives or neighbours.

There are no reports of injuries or deaths as a direct result of the floods. One man was reportedly swept away by the floods, but managed to catch an electricity pylon and was later recovered shaken but essentially unharmed.

To date activity has been focused towards recovery of bodies in the mines. An initial assessment of the situation in the villages has now been done, but no activity has been started to date.

Michael, Oxfam Ireland's Humanitarian Coordinator, adds that 'continued heavy rains in the area raise the possibility of further flooding. While these may not be as serious as the flash flood of 28 March, this cannot be ruled out. The ongoing rains additionally hamper any proposed activity regarding dealing with the standing water.'