On the night of April 1st, 2023, villages along the Ruvuma river in Tanzania experienced devastating floods caused by heavy rainfall from the ongoing monsoon season. The floods have particularly impacted the village of Kivava, with suburbs Sokoni and Kivukuni being the hardest hit, along with village Angazo and Kilamboma. As a result, 1,400 people, representing 395 households, have been displaced and forced to seek temporary shelter in elevated primary schools.

The floods have caused extensive damage, with approximately 60 houses collapsing and over 100 toilets being destroyed. Fields have also been washed away by the water, further impacting the livelihoods of the affected communities. The road connecting Angazo and Kilamboma has been damaged, disrupting transportation and communication between the two areas.

Kivava village, which is part of the district council and comprises four neighborhoods - Sokoni, Kivukoni, Dinanji, and Lilumbi - has a population of 1,976 people residing in 518 households. Agriculture and food business are the main economic activities in the village, with crops such as rice, sorghum, cassava, cashews, coconuts, and legumes being cultivated. However, most of the agricultural areas have been washed away by the floods, posing further challenges for the villagers.

In response to the disaster, the TRCS (Tanzania Red Cross Society) branch, specifically the Mtwara Red Cross regional team, along with local authorities, conducted an initial assessment on March 5th to gather data and guide emergency assistance to the affected communities. The TRCS branch has also provided initial food distributions and extended support to the local authorities in their relief efforts.

The floods have caused widespread devastation in the villages along the Ruvuma river, displacing people from their homes and disrupting their livelihoods. Immediate and sustained support from local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders will be crucial in addressing the needs of the affected communities and assisting them in their recovery efforts.