A heavy rainfall has killed no fewer than one hundred and fifty-five persons in Tanzania, says the country’s prime minister, Kassim Majaliwa.

Mr Majaliwa, who disclosed Thursday, added that 236 had also been injured in the flood. 

He explained that heavy rains caused by El Niño swept through neighbouring Kenya and Burundi, causing a humanitarian crisis in the region.

“The heavy El Nino rains, accompanied by strong winds, floods, and landslides in various parts of the country, have caused significant damage.

“These include loss of life, destruction of crops, homes, citizens’ property, and infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways,” Mr Majaliwa added.

In Kenya, more than 10 persons have this week, bringing the casualties to at least 45 people since March.

According to a report from the Red Cross, Kenya’s President William Ruto has ordered the army to help with rescue operations, as heavy rains pounded large parts of the country, including the capital, Nairobi.

Mr Ruto warned that the rains might continue into May, and urged families to leave flood-prone areas.

Also, in Burundi, heavy rains have displaced nearly 100,000 people.

Reports say the waters in the western Indian Ocean are much warmer than normal and this can bring heavier rain regardless of El Niño.

However, when both a positive IOD and an El Niño occur at the same time, as was the case last year, the rains in East Africa can become extreme.

One of the strongest positive IOD patterns on record coincided with one of the strongest El Niño patterns in 1997 and 1998, with severe flooding reported.