DODOMA, May 9 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from flash floods in Tanzania, triggered by heavy rains and Tropical Cyclone Hidaya, has risen to 166, with five more deaths reported by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa in the parliament on Thursday.
Majaliwa said that the cyclone, which struck Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast on May 3 and weakened the following day, caused heavy rains and strong winds that injured seven people. The disaster affected 18,862 individuals, destroyed 678 houses, damaged 877 houses and submerged 543 houses.
He told the House in the capital city of Dodoma that the heavy rains washed away roads, bridges, electric poles, schools and health centers in Lindi, Mtwara, Coast and Morogoro regions, bringing economic activities such as fishing, farming and businesses to a halt.
Majaliwa said that the government, in collaboration with stakeholders, implemented response measures, including rescue missions for people trapped by flash floods, provision of relief supplies and renovation of damaged infrastructure. ■