Preparing for El Niño: Protecting Your Home, Health and Finances 

There is something comforting about a rainy day – listening to the rain, staying indoors and perhaps sleeping a little longer. But that comfort can quickly turn into concern when heavy rains flood homes, make roads impassable, disrupt livelihoods and, in the worst cases, claim lives. 

This is the reality El Niño can bring, especially for communities in vulnerable, flood-prone areas. While we cannot control the rain, we can prepare for its impact by getting our finances in order, preparing our homes and looking out for those most at risk. 

Tanzania’s Meteorological Authority (TMA) has warned that the October–December 2026 Vuli season is likely to be strongly influenced by El Niño. Above-normal to normal rainfall is expected in much of the northern coast, northeastern highlands, Lake Victoria basin and northern Kigoma. TMA expects the rains to begin in some Lake Victoria areas from late September or early October and spread to other areas during October, with increased rainfall expected in November 

Here are practical ways to prepare: 

Strengthen Your Emergency Fund 

Heavy rains can bring unexpected expenses, from home repairs and disrupted transport to temporary accommodation. If you do not have an emergency fund, start with what you can afford. Small, consistent contributions can build a useful safety net. If you already have one, consider whether it can cover additional weather-related costs. 

Keep Essential Supplies at Home 

Flooding and damaged roads can disrupt access to shops and markets. Where your budget and storage space allow, keep a modest reserve of non-perishable foods such as rice, flour, cereals and canned foods. You do not need to overstock; a small reserve can provide a useful buffer. 

Know Your Flood Risk 

Find out whether your neighbourhood has flooded before and whether your home is near a river, stream, drainage channel or low-lying area. Speak to long-term residents and monitor local weather information and government advisories. 

Consider alternative routes to work, school, and other essential destinations. If you live in a particularly vulnerable area, identify a safe place where your household can go if evacuation becomes necessary. 

Protect Documents and Valuables 

Keep identification papers, certificates, insurance records and financial documents in waterproof folders or sealed bags. Where possible, maintain secure digital copies. 

Move electronics, appliances and other valuables away from floors or areas where floodwater could reach them. This can reduce the risk of damage and electrical accidents. 

Prepare an Emergency Kit 

Keep essentials such as drinking water, a torch, extra batteries, a power bank, basic first-aid supplies, hygiene products, essential medication, warm clothes and ready-to-eat food in an accessible place. 

Households with young children, elderly members or people who require regular medication may need additional supplies. 

Have an Emergency Plan 

Discuss with your household what you would do if flooding made your home unsafe. Know where you would go, how you would get there and who you would contact. 

Keep important phone numbers saved on your phone and written somewhere accessible. 

Stay Informed and Look Out for Others 

Follow updates from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority, local government authorities and other credible emergency-response agencies. Avoid relying solely on unverified social media posts when making safety decisions. Share official warnings with family members, neighbours and friends who may not have seen them. 

Preparedness should also extend beyond your household. Check on relatives, friends and neighbours living in flood-prone areas. A phone call, helping someone move important belongings to a safer place or sharing an official warning could make a meaningful difference. 

During severe weather, follow guidance from the relevant authorities and move to a safer location when necessary. Never attempt to cross flooded roads or moving water, even when the water appears shallow. A little preparation can go a long way. Stay informed, stay prepared and look out for one another.