Rescuers send water through holes to building collapse trapped

Rescue teams in Tanzania have made significant progress in their efforts to save people trapped in the debris of a collapsed four-storey building in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city. The building, located in the busy Kariakoo market area, collapsed early on Saturday morning, causing widespread panic and destruction.

Rescuers, working tirelessly through the weekend, have managed to establish contact with survivors by sending supplies of water, glucose, and oxygen through small gaps in the rubble. Tapping sounds from within the wreckage have been heard, offering hope that more people may still be alive under the debris.

Casualties and Survivors

As of the latest update, 13 people have been confirmed dead, and 84 people have been rescued alive, according to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Rescue teams, including firefighters, paramedics, and volunteers, have been praised for their heroic efforts, as they navigated through piles of concrete and rubble to extract survivors. Large crowds of onlookers cheered as survivors were carried on stretchers past the wreckage and transported to hospitals for medical care.

The collapse, which occurred at approximately 9:00 AM local time (06:00 GMT) on Saturday, left many trapped in the building’s remains. Seven people were rescued from the building’s basement on Sunday, with Dar es Salaam’s regional commissioner, Albert Chalamila, expressing hope that more survivors would be found. “We are hopeful that more survivors will be found,” Chalamila said, emphasizing that efforts would continue until all victims were accounted for.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa reassured the public that authorities would not stop until every possible survivor was rescued. “We won’t rest until we have made sure we have rescued each and every person or soul trapped in the rubble,” he said.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts

In the hours following the collapse, rescue teams used basic tools like sledgehammers and even their bare hands to clear debris in the hopes of reaching anyone trapped beneath. Heavy machinery, including cranes, was eventually brought in to assist with the larger portions of rubble. Fortunately, the collapse occurred before the market area became fully occupied, which may have saved many lives.

Though rescue operations have been the primary focus, authorities have not yet determined the cause of the building’s collapse. Investigations will begin once rescue efforts are concluded. President Suluhu Hassan has announced that the prime minister will lead a “thorough inspection” of all buildings in the Kariakoo area to assess their safety and ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again. The police are also collecting detailed information about the building’s owner and its history to determine whether any negligence was involved.

Building Safety Concerns in Dar es Salaam

The collapse has raised serious concerns about building safety in Dar es Salaam, which is one of the world’s fastest-growing cities. Reports suggest that building regulations in the city are not always properly enforced, leading to the construction of unsafe structures. The collapse of this building highlights the potential risks of rapid urbanization and poor regulation, especially in densely populated areas like Kariakoo.

The city’s population has been growing rapidly in recent years, putting pressure on infrastructure and construction practices. As Dar es Salaam expands, there is a pressing need for authorities to ensure that buildings are constructed to safety standards to avoid further tragedies like this one.

Community Support and Solidarity

In the aftermath of the collapse, there has been an outpouring of support from the local community and beyond. Volunteers and residents have come together to help with rescue efforts, providing supplies, first aid, and moral support to the rescue teams. The spirit of solidarity and cooperation has been a source of strength for those involved in the search and recovery operations.

As search efforts continue, Tanzanians are holding their breath, hoping for more good news. The government has pledged to provide all necessary support for the victims and their families. Meanwhile, the focus remains on finding any remaining survivors and providing aid to those who have already been rescued.

Next Steps and Investigations

Once the immediate rescue phase is over, authorities will turn their attention to investigating the cause of the building collapse. Questions will be raised about the safety of other buildings in the area, as well as the enforcement of building regulations across Dar es Salaam. The city’s rapid growth, while providing economic opportunities, also brings with it significant challenges in terms of infrastructure and urban planning.

As the investigation progresses, Tanzanians are left to reflect on the importance of building safety and the need for stricter enforcement of construction standards to prevent future disasters. For now, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and their families as the city of Dar es Salaam continues its recovery from this tragic event.