At least 50 people died in northern Hanang region after deadly floods and landslides struck over weekend

In Tanzania, at least 50 people died in the northern Hanang region after deadly floods and landslides struck over the weekend. Houses, roads and bridges have been destroyed, complicating ongoing rescue efforts.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan is cutting short her attendance at the COP28 climate summit amid a deadly disaster back home. Zuhura Yunus, the President's spokesperson today said that she will return to Tanzania "as soon as possible" to deal with the situation. Ms Yunus said that nearly 5,600 people have been affected. 

She said the



President has ordered her government to pay for the funerals of those killed by the flooding and landslides. The President also directed the government to cover hospital fees for the injured persons and temporary housing for those whose homes were "washed away".

Four hundred rescue workers, including military personnel, have been sent to the Hanang region, the government said.

East Africa has been badly hit by floods and landslides in 2023, partly caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon