The government has urged ministries, public institutions, local authorities and development partners to step up preparedness efforts against the anticipated impacts of El Niño, warning that extreme weather events continue to pose a serious threat to lives, infrastructure and economic development.
The call was made on Thursday by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Dr James Kilabuko, during the closing of a Disaster Management Stakeholders Forum that reviewed the Draft National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for El Niño in Dodoma.
His remarks come amid growing concern over forecasts indicating the possible emergence of El Niño conditions, which are often associated with above-normal rainfall, flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
“Tanzania has continued to experience disasters that disrupt the normal functioning of communities and economic activities. These events have led to loss of life, permanent disabilities, destruction of property and damage to infrastructure,” Dr Kilabuko said.
He said the government was committed to strengthening disaster management systems to minimise the impact of natural hazards that have become increasingly frequent and costly.
The draft emergency plan was developed following a climate outlook issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) on April 28, 2026, which pointed to a likelihood of El Niño conditions developing.
The plan is intended to guide prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts between August 2026 and June 2027.
According to Dr Kilabuko, the document incorporates lessons from previous El Niño episodes, particularly the 2023/24 event, which affected several regions through flooding, infrastructure damage and disruption of livelihoods.
He said broad stakeholder engagement was necessary to ensure the plan reflects practical realities on the ground and provides a coordinated framework for action before disasters occur.
“It is important for all stakeholders to contribute their views and focus on anticipated risks and mitigation measures so that the government and its partners can take timely action to prevent or reduce potential losses,” he said.
Disaster risk management, he added, should not be treated as the responsibility of a few specialised institutions but should instead be mainstreamed across government planning processes and routine operations at all levels.
Integrating disaster preparedness into development planning, he noted, would help build resilience among communities and protect hard-won development gains from the effects of climate-related shocks.
Speaking at the forum, the Director of Disaster Management in the Prime Minister’s Office, Brigadier General Hosea Ndagala, emphasised the importance of the stakeholders’ platform in strengthening national preparedness and coordination.
He urged disaster management committees at all levels to remain vigilant and update contingency plans to address potential emergencies, particularly those that could affect transport networks, public infrastructure and essential services.
As Tanzania prepares for the possibility of another El Niño season, authorities say early planning, stronger coordination and greater institutional readiness will be critical in reducing risks and safeguarding communities from the potentially severe consequences of extreme weather events.
