MWE Correspondent
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed Regional Commissioners, District Commissioners and heads of government institutions to take early precautionary measures to prepare for heavy rains forecast across Tanzania, warning that failure to act in advance could expose communities to serious disasters and damage.
President Samia said weather information issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) points to the possibility of increased rainfall associated with El Niño conditions, requiring authorities at all levels to strengthen preparedness before the rains intensify.
She made the remarks on Saturday, August 22, 2026, while addressing residents in Pwani Region shortly after officially launching the 2,115-megawatt Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP).
“I urge you to go and prepare, and put everything in order so that when the rains begin, they do not cause major disasters for our people,” President Samia said.
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The President stressed that early warnings issued by TMA should not be treated as routine forecasts, urging regional and local government authorities to translate the warnings into concrete preparedness measures.
She said government leaders should assess vulnerable areas and ensure that necessary measures are in place to minimise the potential impact of heavy rainfall on communities and public infrastructure.
“Warnings have already started being issued. Therefore, I strongly urge you to take action so that these rains do not cause harm to our people,” she said.
The directive comes as Tanzania continues to strengthen disaster preparedness amid forecasts pointing to the possibility of heavy rainfall in some parts of the country.
Regional and district authorities are expected to work closely with relevant government institutions to monitor weather developments, identify areas at risk and strengthen emergency response mechanisms.
The preparations are particularly important for communities living in flood-prone areas, where heavy rains can trigger flooding, damage roads and bridges, disrupt transport and other essential services, and threaten lives and property.
President Samia’s call places emphasis on prevention rather than response, urging authorities to act on available weather information before extreme weather events occur.
The government has also urged citizens to pay attention to official weather alerts and guidance from relevant authorities as preparations continue for the anticipated rainy season.
