Govt urged to prioritise PWDs in El Niño plans

Disability rights advocates and leaders in Dar es Salaam have called on the Tanzanian government and emergency management authorities to prioritize persons with disabilities (PWDs) in national disaster preparedness strategies. The appeal comes as the country prepares for anticipated heavy rains and potential flooding associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Proponents of the initiative warn that failing to integrate specific needs for PWDs into early disaster response measures could leave this demographic disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of severe weather. The request emphasizes the necessity of placing these individuals at the center of planning efforts to ensure their safety and accessibility during emergency situations.