JK sends condolences to bereaved families

Dar es Salaam. President Jakaya Kikwete has sent his condolences to Shinyanga regional commissioner Ally Nasoro Rufunga after 42 people were killed and 82 left with injuries following a hailstorm that hit Mwakata Ward in Kahama District.

According to the State House, the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, affected about 3,500 people with many of them being left without homes.

A statement by the Presidential Communication Directorate said the downpour which was accompanied by heavy winds affected 350 families from Mwangata Village, 100 families from Ngumbi Village while about 50 families were effected in Magung’hw Village.

“I have been saddened by the news of the death of 38 people and injuries sustained by 82 people due to the heavy rains and strong winds which swept away most of the houses in Kahama,” said the President. Later reports put the death toll at 42.

According Mr Kikwete, the tragedy affected the whole nation rather than Shinyanga residents only. He said the nation lost an important part of its human resource that would have helped its development.

The President also expressed his sympathy to the families of those who were affected by the floods.

“I like you to extend my condolences to the relatives of those who were killed by the floods... may the almighty God be with them through this difficult time,” said the President.

He urged the mourners to be patient and tolerant as they went through this difficult time and also wished those who were injured a speedy recovery.

“I pray to God for the quick recovery of those who were injured and have been admitted at Kahama District Hospital. I pray for heir quick recovery so that they can rejoin their loved ones and continue with their normal lives,” said the President Kikwete.