MAF evacuates supporters stranded by deadly Tanzanian floods

1st April 2026

A car is partially submerged when Sanjan River bursts its banks in the Arusha Region (credit: John Mayani)

A car is partially submerged when Sanjan River bursts its banks (credit: John Mayani)

Tanzania’s wet season has turned deadly, triggering landslides in the south which have killed over 20 people, and floods in the north which have left people stranded. MAF evacuated some supporters visiting Naserian School in the Arusha Region – the focus of MAF’s ‘Her Future’ campaign. MAF’s Päivi Griffin reports…

Torrential rain during Tanzania’s wet season (March to May) has wreaked havoc across much of the country causing deadly landslides down south, submerging vehicles in Serengeti’s National Park up north, and generally devastating inadequate infrastructure and housing, leaving communities stranded or homeless.

In the northern region of Arusha, the banks of the Sanjan, Athumani and Monick rivers burst, washing away unsealed dirt roads and bridges, making road travel impossible. Some of those who attempted to drive through the floodwaters became stranded and had to be rescued.

Sadly, six passengers – mostly women and children – are reportedly feared dead when their vehicle got swept away.

Poor infrastructure exacerbates flooding

During the wet season – in the absence of tarmac – dirt tracks turn into mudslides. Drivers get stuck in large muddy potholes or dangerously veer off tracks altogether. ‘Roads’ become impassable. With little infrastructure in remote areas to protect river banks or channel torrential rain away from the roads, disasters happen.

Locals attempt to travel by motorbike even when dirt tracks turn to mud (credit: Paulo Ndari)

Locals attempt to travel by motorbike despite thick mud (credit: Paulo Ndari)

When supporters of MAF’s partner ‘Help for the Maasai’ (HFTM) drove to several education and health projects in the remote Ngorongoro District in northern Tanzania, little did they know that they would need to be rescued from dangerous floodwaters.

Klaus Wagner and Kurt and Marlies Ladendorf had been visiting HFTM’s Naserian School – the focus of MAF’s ‘Her Future’ campaign.

They were travelling through Ndutu by car when they got into trouble. Ndutu is located between Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area – a wild, isolated area, teeming with wildlife.

It was their fourth time visiting the region by car, but this year, both Ndutu Lake and Malambo were badly flooded.

Bridges over two rivers were completely submerged by floodwaters, which they couldn’t drive over – they were cut off.

Swollen River Same engulfs the footbridge so students can’t walk to school (credit: Paulo Emanuel)

Swollen River Same engulfs bridge preventing a safe crossing (credit: Paulo Emanuel)

Flooding has a massive impact on children’s education. Without safe and reliable transport, students either walk miles to reach school or don’t attend. If the route is too dangerous, they have to turn back. The region’s lack of development is impacting children’s learning, says Paulo Ndari – head of HFTM’s Naserian School in Malambo:

‘The flooding greatly affects our community. It causes delays and cancellations. We experience challenges in transportation of people and goods, especially during
rainy season.

‘Flooded roads turn muddy and become difficult to pass. Most roads are without proper drainage systems – they lack bridges or culverts.

‘When vehicles struggle to reach remote villages, students are forced to walk long distances to access school, or they don’t have any access at all.’

Paulo Ndari – MAF partner & head of HFTM’s Naserian School in Malambo

MAF to the rescue

Kurt Ladendorf (2nd from right) flanked by Marlies Ladendorf & Klaus Wagner (credit: Peter Griffin)

Relief! Kurt (2nd from right) flanked by Marlies & Klaus (credit: Peter Griffin)

Fortunately, Kurt, Marlies and Klaus were able to contact MAF, so that pilot Peter Griffin could rescue them.

Peter flew them from Ndutu to Malambo, which took just over 20 minutes by air. On a dry day overland, this would usually take at least nine hours traversing mountain ridges. During flooding, it’s impassable.

MAF also flew the supporters from Malambo to Moshi (50 minutes) in the Kilimanjaro Region, so that they could catch an international flight back to their native Germany.

Please continue to pray for the people of Tanzania during this time.

MAF pilot Peter Griffin flies to the rescue (credit: Peter Griffin)

MAF evacuates supporters stranded by deadly Tanzanian floods

1st April 2026

Poor infrastructure exacerbates flooding

MAF to the rescue

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