Heavy rains and flooding since Tuesday have killed 23 people in Tanzania's capital of Dar es Salaam prompting President Jakaya Kikwete to call on residents in affected valleys and lowland areas to evacuate.

Speaking to evacuees at the Mchikichini Primary School, Kikwete said residents in Msimbazi and Jangwani valleys as well as other lowland areas must evacuate as the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) forecasted continuous rains.

"Floods in these low lying areas have been recurring for years, the lasting solution is to stay away from flood prone areas," Kikwete said, according to Daily News.

Kikwete also assured evacuees that the government will provide their basic needs and will look for a safer site for their homes.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Said Meck Sadick said the floods displaced 4,909 people.

Several main roads in the capital were flooded and some bridges were destroyed, according to BBC. The Tanzania Electric Supply Company cut power in heavily affected areas to prevent electrocution.

The TMA said the rains were the heaviest experienced by Dar es Salaam since the country gained its independence in 1961.