All you need to know about the Hanang crisis : Tourism is not only a trip to a marvelous destination for enjoying scenic views but also for conserving natural features and caring about the host community. Tourists live as family sharing many things between them and the host communities. When one of them (either visitors or hosts) needs help they rush to assist because their happiness is built on the well-being of their fellow.
On December 2, 2023, one of the tourism key player communities, the Barbaig were hit by floods that was caused by heavy rains. About 85 deaths and more than 200 injuries have been reported as of December 9, 2023. The catastrophic floods have resulted in landslides, thus causing the streets of Katesh which is the headquarters of Hanang, to be full of mud. For this reason, several families has been displaced as their houses have been hit by floods.
The community that has been greatly affected by such disaster are the Barbaig tribe, one of the vibrant culture on the foot of Mount Hanang. Hanang in general, has been a spectacular tourism hub for several years. Tourists have been going there to explore wonderful features such as Mount Hanang as well as interacting with the semi-nomadic Barbaig tribe. Here is a short description of such magnificent features of Hanang that attract thousands of tourists:
Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve: This reserve hosts the fourth tallest mountain, Mount Hanang which is 3667 meters high.
The Barbaig and Iraqw tribes: These are vibrant Nilotic tribes found in Hanang. Their sacred places of worship are splendidly awesome.
Hanang is also home to amazing soda lakes like Gendabi, Balang’dalalu, and Basotugang where you can go and chill. When you visit these alluring destinations, you are supporting the affected communities and survivors of the Hanang floods. There are many ways of traveling sustainably through Hanang so you can support the affected community. In hard times like these, tourists can do the following to support this affected community:
Donate funds to support them: You can support the casualties and displaced families by just giving a dime. The government through its Natural Disaster Committee, an office in the Prime Minister’s office, has opened an electronic account that is managed by the Bank of Tanzania (BOT) to mobilize funds from every well-wisher around the world. The account has the name ‘National Relief Fund’, account number 9921159801 with a swift code TANZTZTX. As a sustainable traveler, and you are concerned about preserving the existing tourist attractions, one of which is Hanang you have to play a part in saving the lives of the affected society.
If you are in Hanang, you can visit the local administrative offices to grant your donations. You can also support other organizations dealing with the rescue and rehabilitation of torn settlements.
Visit the injured ones in hospitals: The floods and mudslides have caused injuries to many people. About 139 injuries have been reported as of December 9, 2023. However, a press release issued by the Chief Government Spokesperson, Mobhare Matinyi says, as of December 9, 2023, only 51 are still hospitalized in three different health facilities. Hanang District Hospital (Tumaini) still has 27 injuries under treatment, Manyara Regional Referral Hospital still holds 19 injuries under careful treatment while Gendabi Health Center still has 5 admitted injuries. All these injuries need comfort. You can visit them to give hope and encouragement in these hospitals.
Visit the displaced families: As a result of floods and mudslides, several families have been forced to leave their houses. Displaced families have been relocated to Katesh Secondary School as their temporary home. They feel happy when they see visitors who used to be there before the disaster are feeling with them. You may carry sleeping equipment, clothing, water, or anything that may help them.
Whether you are looking forward to having a safari, or you are on a safari in Tanzania, do not forget to do just a little thing to help survivors of these catastrophic floods and landslides. Caring for others is the spirit of all travelers around the world. If you are touched by this crisis that has greatly disturbed the vibrant community, make sure you anything to help.
