Journalists have been urged to prioritise their safety when reporting disasters during the coming October-December 2026 Vuli rains, with authorities warning that no news story is worth risking a reporter’s life.
The call comes as the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) forecasts that the Vuli season will be significantly influenced by El Niño conditions, with normal to above-normal rainfall expected in several areas, including the Northern Coast, Northeast Highlands, Lake Victoria basin and northern Kigoma.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on September 21, 2026, Journalism Accreditation Board (JAB) member Mgaya Kingoba said journalists play a critical role during disasters because communities rely on timely and accurate information to make decisions that could protect their lives.
“During disasters, journalists should perform their duties while protecting their own safety and taking all necessary precautions. No news story is more important than your life,” Mr Kingoba said.
He urged journalists to verify information before publishing or broadcasting it, warning that inaccurate reports could create unnecessary fear and panic among the public.
Journalists should also closely follow weather forecasts and warnings issued by TMA and seek information from the Fire and Rescue Force, the Prime Minister’s Office Department of Disaster Management and disaster management committees at regional and council levels, he said.
According to TMA’s seasonal outlook, the Vuli rains are expected to begin between the fourth week of September and the first week of October in the Lake Victoria basin before gradually spreading to other areas. Rainfall is expected to increase in November.
Mr Kingoba said journalists should go beyond reporting the damage caused by disasters and provide practical information that can help communities respond to risks.
“A journalist should not only report the problem but should also provide solutions — telling people what they should do, where they can move to, where they can get assistance and what the Government is doing,” he said.
TMA has warned that excessive soil moisture and flooding could occur during the season, while rising water levels in rivers and dams could increase the risk of flooding. Contaminated water could also contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases.
Mr Kingoba, who is also Acting Manager of Kiswahili Services at Tanzania Standard Newspapers (TSN), urged media organisations to use language that informs and guides the public without creating unnecessary alarm.
He said journalists assigned to disaster-prone areas should assess the risks before entering affected locations, wear appropriate protective clothing, protect cameras and other equipment from water and avoid areas experiencing severe flooding or at risk of landslides.
He also stressed the need for journalists to protect the privacy, dignity and rights of disaster victims when taking photographs or conducting interviews.
Particular attention, he said, should be given to children, women and people with special needs so that their concerns are reflected in coverage and reach agencies responsible for providing assistance.
Mr Kingoba also called on media organisations to prepare for the rainy season by equipping journalists with appropriate safety gear and providing them with clear guidance on reporting in hazardous environments.
Such preparations, he said, would allow journalists to continue serving the public during emergencies without unnecessarily putting their lives at risk.