This archive report was first published on 7 May 2021.
Cyclone Jobo didn't come to town, but are we prepared for anything? ¶
On the announcement of Cyclone Jobo's potential landfall near Dar es Salaam, I took necessary steps to prepare for the worst-case scenario. I started by gathering information about the situation and sharing it with friends and family. We prepared as best we could for three to five days of drama, but ultimately, the storm dissipated in the ocean, and our city was spared.
However, this near-miss has left me brooding about our city's lack of preparation for natural disasters. We take being fine for granted, and it's disappointing to see that we're not doing enough to mitigate the effects of such events.
Despite the rainy season, our city's infrastructure is still struggling to cope with the excess water. Drains are overwhelmed, and our wetlands have been drained. It's a reminder that we're still not good with the weather, even after almost a century of occupation.
As I reflect on our city's history, I realize that many cities are haphazard in their development. Even modern cities like ours are prone to mistakes and a lack of planning. It's not unusual, but it's still a concern.
As someone who's worried about our city's planning, I've been reading up on earthquakes and tsunami warnings. It's clear that we're not doing enough to prepare for these events. But I'm also reminded that cities are a natural phenomenon, an encounter between humans and nature. We humans call each other to where the living is good, and Dar es Salaam is no exception.
Perhaps it's time for us to take a page from Japan's book and prioritize preparation and planning. But as I reflect on Tokyo's history, I'm also reminded that even the most prepared cities have their own set of challenges. Maybe we're not so different after all.
As I look out at the rain-soaked streets of Dar es Salaam, I'm reminded that messiness is part of being alive. We have earthquakes, tsunami warnings, and cyclones, but we stand. And that's something to be proud of.
