Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed the National Disaster Management Committee to provide emergency services to regions impacted by Cyclone Hidaya, as announced yesterday in Dodoma by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa. This directive was issued during an urgent meeting with the committee to review the actions taken in response to the affected areas.
“The President has directed for immediate measures to be taken in all areas affected by the rains resulting from Cyclone Hidaya, including sending aid to affected areas of Mafia in Coast Region, Kilwa (Lindi) and Ifakara (Morogoro),” he said.
The PM directed Fire and Rescue Force to ensure that it completes the rescue exercise in Kilwa areas, where more than 40 households are submerged in water.
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“The Fire and Rescue Force has done a great job. You have to ensure you rescue all people whose residential areas are surrounded by water and keep them in safe places as well as providing them with all necessary services,” the PM said.
Mr. Majaliwa directed several government ministries and offices, including the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Water, President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Governments (PORALG), Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence and National Service, and Ministry of Finance, to implement urgent measures aimed at preventing further adverse impacts in the affected areas.
“Ministry of Works must continue to take all necessary emergency measures to ensure that sections of the damaged roads are swiftly repaired and transport services swiftly return to normal,” he said.
The Prime Minister praised the ongoing coordination of rescue efforts by the Disaster Management Department in all affected regions and encouraged them to maintain this spirit as they extend their efforts to other areas.
“Increase efforts in the areas of Ifakara, Kilwa and Mafia and ensure that all affected citizens are in safe areas and have access to all basic social services,” Mr Majaliwa added.
Conversely, the Prime Minister instructed the National Disaster Management Committee to oversee the Regional and District Committees to ensure that the assistance provided to the victims reaches them effectively.
“The committee must guide the Regional and District Committees in managing all the victims’ aid so that it reaches the beneficiaries. When the situation returns to normal, we will need detailed information on how it was used,” he insisted.