Mbeya Regional Commissioner Jumanne Sagini has cautioned residents against dismissing government warnings about the expected El Niño rains, saying the destruction caused by recent flooding in the city should serve as a wake-up call.
He said some people had treated the warnings as a subject of ridicule on social media, questioning why the predicted rains had not arrived, despite repeated alerts from authorities and weather experts.
Mr Sagini issued the warning on November 4, 2026, when he visited flood victims in Nzovwe Ward, Mbeya City, where houses were destroyed and food supplies and other household belongings swept away by floodwaters.
He said the impact of rainfall recorded on November 3, which lasted about 30 minutes, demonstrated how quickly weather-related disasters could disrupt lives and destroy property.
"For several months, the government has been talking about El Niño rains, but some people have been making jokes on social media, saying: 'You have been promising these rains for so long; we are waiting for our El Niño.' Now that serious things are happening, people are still making fun of the warnings. What should we call what happened on November 3?" he asked.
Mr Sagini said residents should take weather forecasts seriously and prepare for possible emergencies rather than dismissing warnings issued by experts.
He urged people to pray for beneficial rainfall that supports livelihoods without causing disasters, while emphasising the need to take precautionary measures against potential flooding.
The regional commissioner warned that the damage caused by just half an hour of rainfall could be an indication of the risks facing residents if heavier rains continue for longer periods.
He also directed district authorities and local government officials to strengthen preparations, particularly by identifying safe areas where people could seek temporary shelter if their homes became inaccessible or unsafe.
"The government must ensure that people have the necessary infrastructure and places where they can take shelter. The District Commissioner and directors should not become complacent. Preparations must continue to ensure that people have somewhere to go," he said.
Mr Sagini particularly urged residents living in flood-prone areas to consider temporarily relocating to safer locations before heavy rainfall begins, instead of waiting until floodwaters reach their homes.
He said the priority should be protecting human lives, noting that floodwaters could become powerful enough to overwhelm homes and carry away property.
The warning comes as authorities continue assessing the damage caused by the latest flooding and supporting affected households.
Meanwhile, Josephat Mwanjesa thanked the regional commissioner and his delegation for visiting the affected families and offering comfort following the disaster.
He said the visit, together with assurances of assistance and a message from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, had restored hope among residents facing the consequences of the flooding.
"We sincerely thank the Regional Commissioner for joining us today and bringing us greetings from President Samia. Your presence here and the promise of assistance have given us renewed hope that we have not been abandoned during this disaster," he said.
According to the Regional Disaster Management Committee, the rainfall, which lasted less than 30 minutes, affected 21 houses and at least 43 households.
Mr Sagini's visit was accompanied by members of the Regional Defence and Security Committee, officials from the District Commissioner's Office and representatives of the Tanzania Red Cross Society.