The death toll from severe flooding in Tanzania's economic capital Dar es Salaam has risen to 38, local authorities said Friday.

"More bodies continue to be retrieved in various parts of the city that were affected by floods," Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Said Mecky Sadick told a news conference.

The heaviest rainfall in more than half a century in the east African country has displaced 5,000 people, officials said Thursday, when the death toll stood at 23.

The floodwaters took out roads and bridges, restricting access in many parts of the city. Power outages added to the difficulties.

Vice President Mohammad Gharib Bilal visited evacuees, warning them not to return home yet as the rain had not stopped.