Editorial

EDITORIAL

Time to prepare before El Niño rains arrive

The warning is clear and the time to act is now. With leading climate centres indicating a strong likelihood of El Niño conditions developing in 2026, East African countries, including Tanzania, cannot afford to treat this as distant news. The most concerning period, the October to December rainfall season, is only about four months away. That is not a long time for governments, communities, farmers and emergency services to prepare.

El Niño does not always bring the same effects everywhere but history has shown that in parts of East Africa it can trigger unusually heavy rains, floods, landslides, crop destruction, damaged infrastructure and outbreaks of water-borne diseases. Northern Tanzania and other flood-prone areas must therefore remain especially alert. Waiting until the rains begin would be a costly mistake.

Preparedness should start with timely and trusted information. National meteorological agencies, together with regional bodies, must continue issuing clear updates that ordinary citizens can understand and act upon. Forecasts should not remain in technical offices. They must reach farmers, school leaders, transport operators, local government officials and households in vulnerable areas.

Authorities also have a duty to act before disaster strikes. Drainage systems should be cleared, weak bridges and roads inspected, settlements in high-risk zones identified and emergency response plans tested. Farmers need practical guidance on planting decisions, seed choices and soil protection. Health authorities must prepare for possible disease outbreaks linked to flooding and contaminated water.

At community level, alertness is equally important. Families should know the risks in their areas, avoid crossing flooded roads, protect important documents and listen to official warnings rather than rumours. Local leaders must help identify elderly people, children and persons with disabilities who may need special support during emergencies.

There is no need for panic, especially as scientists have not confirmed claims of a “super El Niño”. But there is every reason for vigilance. Four months can pass quickly. If Tanzania and the region prepare early, lives, livelihoods and infrastructure can be protected. The warning has been given; what matters now is action.

Latest posts

YOUR FORTNIGHTLY HEALTH CHECK

Q1: My husband suffers from severe stress and depression. His behaviour is affecting our marriage and children. How do we tackle this? A1: Thank you for this question. Mental health problems don’t affect just one person — they affect the entire family. Spouses often feel tired, anxious or helpless, while children may become fearful, angry…

Read More
SAKINA S. DOSSAJI

SEVEN IN A STANCE

How different are they in hues and shades,Yet cling to one another,Never apart,Dancing together on wet skies,A brilliant rainbow of love,Bringing smiles on your face,All seven in a stance. Similarly are our moods,One after another,Happy one moment,Sad another,Upset, annoyed, angry,Joyous, excited,Yet staying putOvercoming it all. Pretty smiles lift up spirits,Covering a blanket over dampened ones,Just…

Read More
Health Diary Lulu

WHY DOCTORS DON’T ALWAYS GIVE MEDICINE TO STOP VOMITING IN CHILDREN

Vomiting is one of the most common reasons parents bring their children to the hospital. Understandably, many parents expect medication that will stop the vomiting immediately. However, they are sometimes surprised when the doctor recommends fluids, observation and time instead of anti-vomiting medicine. This can leave parents wondering: If my child is vomiting, why not…

Read More