UNICEF relief supplies reach families displaced by floods and mudslide in Hanang, Tanzania
A story of loss, resilience, and recovery
Disaster struck the hilly landscape of Hanang District, Manyara Region, Tanzania, in December 2023, after heavy rainfall triggered mudslides and floods that washed down rocks and logs into the villages, shattering homes, claiming lives and displacing others.
Gendabi village, which was once a lively playground that echoed with the laughter of children, suffered devastating impacts of nature.
“Children used to play here, during class break or after school”
The disaster destroyed crops, killed livestock, and disrupted health services, education, and infrastructure, including roads, water points, electricity, and communication systems.
According to Tanzania’s Department of Disaster Management at least 89 people lost their lives including children, and about 5,600 people were affected by the floods and mudslides. Among them, more than 700 people, including children were internally displaced and sheltered in three primary schools.
"All my exercise books and school uniforms are gone,” said Joseph one of the children who became internally displaced because of the floods. Before the disaster hit, he was preparing to start Grade 7. “I do not know, when I will ever get back to school," he said expressing similar worries and challenges faced by many children in the wake of the catastrophe.
Under the leadership of the Government of Tanzania, UNICEF and other UN agencies moved swiftly to provide support to the affected communities.
“We distributed relief items, including clean water and sanitation, provided hygiene services, which are crucial in preventing diseases like Cholera in crowded camps. UNICEF also deployed social welfare officers to provide mental health and psychosocial support, particularly for vulnerable children at risk of abuse and violence.”
Efforts are being made by the Government of Tanzania to relocate families and reunite parents with the displaced children.
Schools that once served as camps are set to reopen, giving a chance to students like Joseph, who dream of returning to the classroom despite the calamity that affected their village.
