The Rufiji area, in West Tanzania, has historically been prone to flooding due to its geographical location and the seasonal patterns of rainfall. However, the situation has been exacerbated by the construction and operation of the Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Dam. While the dam serves as an important source of renewable energy for Tanzania, its presence has altered the natural flow of the Rufiji River, leading to increased risks of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

The recent flood disaster in 2024 has resulted in widespread devastation, displacing thousands of families and leaving them in dire need of assistance. Homes have been destroyed, crops have been washed away, and access to clean water and essential services has been severely disrupted. The most vulnerable members of the community, including women, children, and the elderly, are particularly at risk and require urgent support to meet their basic needs and begin the process of recovery. In Muhoro ward, 75% of the area is underwater, and about 17,000 people have been affected, displaced, and living in primary school buildings without basic needs. In Chumbi ward, around 1000 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 called upon institutions and humanitarian aid organizations as well as good Samaritans to respond to the Rufiji people by supporting them in one way or another during this situation, while the local authority continues to monitor and evaluate the effects of the floods in general.

CADIS Tanzania’s intervention will contribute to the ongoing efforts by the government, local community, and humanitarian organizations to provide emergency relief assistance and reduce the high rates of illness and death caused by poor nutrition and sanitation, and lack of clean and safe water supply in the Internally Displaced People’s (IDPs) camps or evacuation centers. 

What will CADIS Tanzania do?

The Camillian Disaster Service (CADIS Tanzania) implements the programs for three months on behalf of CADIS International. CADIS Tanzania has years of experience in humanitarian assistance to disaster victims, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and local communities across 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; we will provide water purification tablets, temporary latrines, hand washing facilities; and clothing. 

Items planned to be procured under the operation will be acquired from various supply sources. Taking into account the scope of the work, the urgency of the situation, and the nature of the demand, a fast-track procurement implementation is planned using local market supplies in the region.

Enormous challenges persist in Rufiji, and the district is facing one of its worst humanitarian crises. Thousands of its population need immediate humanitarian assistance in several sectors, including health care, nutrition, and clean water and sanitation. The situation is at risk of an eruption of waterborne diseases and related cases. We are then appealing to your generosity on behalf of the flood survivors and the most vulnerable people.

We appeal to all people of goodwill for support in our emergency response.

Bank Name: INTESA SANPAOLO s.p.a.

Account Name: FONDAZIONE CAMILLIAN DISASTER SERVICE INTERNATIONAL

Account Number: IT19G0306909606100000144767

BIC and Swift Code: BCITITMMXXX

Bank Name: DEUTSCHE BANK

Account Name: Fondazione CAMILLIAN DISASTER SERVICE INTERNATIONAL (CADIS)

Account Number: IT13T 03104 03202 00000 0840270

BIC and Swift Code: DEUTITM1582

You can also donate through PayPal from the website at this link: https://www.cadisinternational.org/en/donate-now