Nairobi — The heaviest rains in 40 years destroyed more homes and infrastructure in and around Stone Town, capital of the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, than earlier reported, according to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Eight hundred homes were affected by flooding on 17-18 April, the Federation said in a bulletin issued on Friday after its officials participated in a preliminary assessment led by local authorities.

Earlier, a local official had said that the number of affected families was 500.

Many of their homes were submerged or destroyed by the deluge. "All household items were lost," the Federation said. However, it added that so far only 150 families had registered as being homeless.

Five bore holes for drinking water were also damaged and contaminated, posing a threat of waterborne diseases. Two cases of cholera have already been reported, the Federation said.

Local government are appealing for help with water treatment chemicals, food and medicine. They "are issuing cash handouts to families sheltered in schools," the Federation said.

The government needs help in repairing damaged infrastructure. A bridge linking Stone Town to one of the affected locations in the south of the island was partly washed away, the Federation said.

"Three power transformers were damaged leaving some of these areas without electricity," it added.

The UN Development Programme is coordinating the UN response to the disaster. The Federation's regional Disaster Management Department is coordinating the Red Cross response.

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]