SIX people lost their lives while25 homes were completely destroyed in a spate of heavy rains in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region.

Kasilda Mgeni, the district commissioner and chairperson of the district security committee, said at a press conference that the rains similarly swept crops and vital road infrastructure, exacerbating the challenges faced by local communities.

Relentless rains were hitting the area since the start of the end year rainy season nearly two months ago, such that early morning yesterday the rains caused widespread flooding and damage across the district.

A number of roads leading to the mountainous zone were severely damaged, making it difficult to access some of the affected areas, she stated, citing damage to planted fields, placing the harvest prospects on balance.

"The situation is dire, and our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones and homes. The damage is extensive and our teams are working hard to assess the situation and deliver assistance,” she said.

The more affected areas include the Msindo, Vuje, Bombo Mtii and Maore wards, she said, with the district’s disaster committee ascertaining the extent to which roads were rendered impassable, with occasional landslides making it harder to reach certain areas. 

The committee is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage for presentation to the regional secretariat for stating the case to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the DC noted.

She urged residents to take all the precautions they can those living in high-risk areas to think of temporary relocation to safer locations to prevent further loss of life and damage to property.

While assessing damage due to the flooding, the district authorities will be working to take swift measures to restore vital infrastructure to working conditions, she said. 

"Plans are already in motion to ensure that all roads, bridges and other infrastructure damaged by the rains will be fully restored,” the DC underlined.

Residents need to be assuredthat support, including food aid and emergency relief, is on its way, she added.