By Peter Saramba Ongiri

MWANZA, Tanzania

The death toll due to floods caused by incessant downpour in various parts of Tanzania rose to 15 on Tuesday.

At least 250 houses in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s business capital, Arusha, Manyara, Tabora and Zanzibar were destroyed in the downpours. The number may rise as the country continues receiving heavy rainfall for the fourth day in a row.

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda confirmed that nine people have died.

“An assessment through helicopter confirms serious damage to homes and infrastructure. Nine people have died and at least six have been injured,” said Lazaro Mambosasa, a police officer commanding Dar es Salaam special zone

Wilbrod Mtafungwa, a police officer commanding Tabora region, said three people have died until today.

Two people are reported dead in Arusha region, Tanzania’s northern tourist city, and one died in Manyara region.

Most of the victims are those living in lowland areas and the authorities have urged people to shift from the valleys to other places.

Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) has warned of heavy rainfall in areas around Indian Ocean including Zanzibar Islands, Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Lindi, Mtwara and Morogoro regions until tomorrow, April 18, 2018.

Many parts of the country receive heavy rainfalls in March and April, however, this year has broken new records.