The Rufiji area, in western Tanzania, has historically been prone to flooding due to its geographical location and the seasonal pattern of rainfall. However, the situation has been exacerbated by the construction and operation of the Nyerere hydroelectric dam. While the dam represents an important source of renewable energy for Tanzania, its presence has altered the natural flow of the Rufiji River, increasing the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rain.
The recent 2024 flood caused widespread devastation, displacing thousands of families and leaving them in desperate need of assistance. Homes were destroyed, crops were swept away, and access to drinking water and essential services was severely disrupted. The most vulnerable members of the community, including women, children, and the elderly, are particularly at risk and need urgent support to meet their basic needs and begin the recovery process. In the Muhoro district, 75% of the area is underwater and about 17,000 people have been affected, displaced, and are living in elementary school buildings without basic necessities. In the Chumbi district, about 1,000 people have been displaced. This year's floods have submerged 28,374 hectares of agricultural land, destroying crops such as maize, rice, sesame, and bananas.
The Minister of State has called on institutions and humanitarian organizations, as well as good Samaritans, to respond to the people of Rufiji by supporting them in one way or another during this situation, while local authorities continue to monitor and assess the effects of the floods in general.
The intervention of CADIS Tanzania will contribute to the ongoing efforts by the government, the local community, and humanitarian organizations to provide assistance during the emergency and reduce the high rates of illness and deaths caused by poor nutrition and sanitation, as well as the lack of clean and safe water in the camps or evacuation centers for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
What will CADIS Tanzania do?
Camillian Disaster Service (CADIS Tanzania) will implement emergency programs for three months on behalf of CADIS International. CADIS Tanzania has years of experience in humanitarian assistance to disaster victims, internally displaced persons, and local communities in Tanzania.
CADIS Tanzania's emergency humanitarian assistance will cover three components: i) health and nutrition, ii) water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and iii) community mobilization. In particular, we will provide food, water, and medicines, especially for mothers and children; water purification tablets, temporary latrines, handwashing facilities, and clothing.
The items planned for the operation will be purchased from various supply sources. Taking into account the scope of the work, the urgency of the situation, and the nature of the demand, rapid implementation of procurement is expected using supplies from the local market in the region.
Huge difficulties persist in Rufiji and the district is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises. Thousands of people need immediate humanitarian assistance in various sectors, including healthcare, nutrition, drinking water, and sanitation. The situation is at risk of an outbreak of waterborne diseases and related cases. We therefore appeal to your generosity on behalf of the flood survivors and the most vulnerable people.
We appeal to all people of goodwill to support our emergency response.
Bank: INTESA SANPAOLO s.p.a.
Recipient: CAMILLIAN DISASTER SERVICE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION
Iban: IT19G0306909606100000144767
Bank: DEUTSCHE BANK
Recipient: CAMILLIAN DISASTER SERVICE INTERNATIONAL Foundation (CADIS)
Iban: IT13T 03104 03202 00000 0840270
You can donate via PayPal directly from the website at the following link: https://www.cadisinternational.org/it/donate-now
