The government has moved to strengthen national preparedness against the potential impacts of the El Niño weather phenomenon, unveiling plans aimed at protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure following an alert issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA).
Officials say a draft National Emergency Response Plan has already been prepared to guide coordinated action across ministries, government agencies, regional administrations and other stakeholders should extreme weather conditions materialise.
Speaking at the opening of a disaster management stakeholders’ meeting in Dodoma on Wednesday, Assistant Director for Operations and Coordination in the Disaster Management Department under the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Colonel Selestine Masalamado, said the government was taking proactive measures to minimise risks associated with El Niño.
The weather pattern, which is often linked to above-normal rainfall and flooding in parts of East Africa, has previously caused widespread damage to infrastructure, disrupted livelihoods and displaced communities.
According to Colonel Masalamado, the proposed emergency plan is designed to strengthen institutional coordination, facilitate timely interventions and ensure the country is better prepared to respond to any disaster-related challenges.
“This meeting provides an opportunity for ministries, institutions, regional authorities and development partners to scrutinise the draft plan and contribute views that will help produce a practical and inclusive framework for disaster response,” he said.
He noted that stakeholder input would be crucial in ensuring the plan becomes an effective tool for disaster prevention, preparedness and response.
The government, he added, is placing particular emphasis on early action and public awareness to reduce vulnerability among communities likely to be affected by severe weather conditions.
He called on participants to make meaningful contributions to the discussions, saying their recommendations would help strengthen measures aimed at safeguarding citizens and ensuring the uninterrupted provision of essential services during emergencies.
Among the priority areas highlighted are public education campaigns to encourage residents in vulnerable locations to take precautionary measures, including relocating from high-risk areas where necessary and continuing economic activities in safer environments.
Colonel Masalamado also stressed the need for authorities to identify suitable temporary settlement areas and map disaster-prone zones to facilitate rapid response efforts.
He further underscored the importance of enhancing communication systems and early warning mechanisms to ensure that communities receive accurate and timely information before and during emergencies.
“I urge regional authorities and local government councils to ensure disaster management committees at all levels carry out their responsibilities effectively while maintaining continuous monitoring and preparedness,” he said.
The official also directed institutions and regional administrations to urgently update or develop their emergency response plans to ensure the country remains ready to respond to any adverse effects that may arise from El Niño conditions.
The stakeholders’ meeting forms part of broader government efforts to strengthen disaster risk management and improve resilience against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns driven by climate change.
