TANZANIANS have been urged to help victims in times of natural disasters so as to restore their hope as the circumstances are beyond one’s control.

Rev Henry Mchamungu, Auxiliary Catholic Bishop and health service overseer of Dar es Salaam Archdiocese made the call in Dar es Salaam recently during a prayer session organised by the Pastoral Activities and Services for People with Aids Dar es Salaam Archdiocese (PASADA) after receiving various items donated to Kibiti flood victims.

He said that the unforeseen disasters may affect people any day at any time hence urging people to see the essence of helping the victims.

“Let us accept that we are not safe; help those in need and make them feel part of the community just like what PASADA has done today,” he said.

“The Dar es Salaam Archdiocese in collaboration with Caritas Tanzania and other stakeholders will keep supporting donation initiatives to people affected by floods in Rufiji and Kibiti. PASADA took the early initiative and we commend them for a good job.” 

Dr Cayus Mrina, PASADA executive director, said that the donation was part of pastoral activities undertaken by Archbishop of Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam Jude Thaddeaus Ruwa'ichi and other bishops.

“Our main task is to help those in need in the community just like what our motto states ‘A healthy soul in a healthy body’. The main objective is to enable people fulfil their responsibilities in the community,” he said.

Dr Eugine Rutaisire, PASADA director of medical services, said the donation decision was made as preventive measures against diseases that erupt during natural disasters such as floods hence mattresses and buckets donation.

“In times when people experience natural disasters and most especially floods, there is nomally eruption of diseases, especially cholera and other diseases associated with diarrhoea. Seeing Kibiti and Rufiji flood victims, we came to the conclusion of donating mattresses and buckets to enhance their cleanliness,” he said.

 Father Christian Nyumayo, PASADA advisory board chairperson, said the donation was part of fulfilling their services to people of Coast Region.