BY THE ARUSHA NEWS
The warning from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) about a potentially intense El Niño during the October-December short rains must be treated as a call to action, not simply another weather bulletin.
In recent seasons, TMA forecasts have proved increasingly dependable, giving communities and authorities valuable time to plan. When such advance information is available, failure to prepare cannot later be excused by claims that the danger was unexpected.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has also urged regional and district leaders to develop mitigation plans before the expected conditions arrive. That message should be taken seriously.
Preparation must go beyond clearing drains. Schools in flood-prone areas need safety arrangements and alternative access routes. Roads, bridges and culverts should be inspected and repaired before heavy downpours expose their weaknesses. Hospitals and emergency services require medicines, fuel, ambulances, rescue equipment and contingency staffing.
The forecast is equally important for tourism because the rains are expected during a busy travel period, when northern Tanzania will still be receiving large numbers of international and domestic visitors. Arusha, Manyara and Kilimanjaro are gateways to some of the country’s most important attractions, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Safari operators, hotels, airports and tour companies should therefore prepare alternative routes, maintain reliable communication with guests and closely monitor road and weather conditions. Visitors must be informed promptly about flooded roads, delayed flights, inaccessible park routes and other safety concerns. Emergency arrangements for tourists stranded in remote areas should also be established.
Public health authorities should anticipate outbreaks of water-borne and mosquito-related diseases, while ensuring clean water, sanitation supplies and rapid-response teams are ready. Livestock keepers need guidance on safe grazing areas, animal diseases and fodder storage, while farmers require timely advice on planting, drainage, crop choices and harvesting.
Food security also deserves attention because disrupted roads can affect market supplies and raise prices. Electricity, telecommunications and water utilities should similarly protect vulnerable infrastructure and prepare restoration teams.
Local authorities should identify evacuation centres, map high-risk settlements and educate residents on emergency procedures.
We have been warned early. The time for inspections, supplies, coordination and public awareness is now. When the rains arrive, Tanzania should be ready – with no excuses that we did not know.
