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Flash floods caused by heavy rains ravaged Hanang district in northern Tanzania leaving a toll of at least 80 fatalities, local media outlet The Citizen reported on Saturday.

Government spokesman Mobhare Matinyi said a scientific study was conducted and experts set up a buffer zone along the course of the Jorodom River, which flows from Mount Hanang.

The study indicated that the high-risk areas extend from around 60 meters to 300 meters from the river’s banks.

The East African country barred economic activities and settlement in the area due to safety concern.

Matinyi further noted that the government would conduct an analysis to build new houses for the victims of the disaster.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan cut short her attendance at COP28 in Dubai to visit displaced people and assure them of government support.