At Least 20 Dead in Tanzania Landslides as East Africa Faces Severe Floods

At least 20 people have died in landslides in Tanzania’s Mbeya region after heavy rains, with more casualties possible. The extreme weather is affecting East Africa, including Kenya, where floods have killed 88, and Ethiopia, where recent landslides left around 80 dead. Authorities are urging residents in high-risk areas to move to safer ground.

At least 20 people have been killed in southern Tanzania’s Mbeya region after days of intense rainfall triggered deadly landslides, officials reported. The disaster struck early Wednesday in Rungwe district, where heavy rains and strong winds caused mud and debris to sweep through residential areas, destroying homes and leaving residents trapped. Among the victims was a young child, local authorities confirmed, and they warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue to search affected communities. Residents in high-risk zones have been urged to relocate to safer ground, while forecasters warned that more rainfall is expected in the coming days, raising the risk of additional landslides and flooding.
The landslides in Tanzania are part of a wider pattern of extreme weather affecting East Africa this season. In Kenya, for instance, heavy rains and widespread flooding have claimed at least 88 lives and caused significant damage across more than 20 counties. Rivers have overflowed, sweeping away homes, roads, and farmland, and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. The Kenyan military has been deployed to assist in rescue and relief operations, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Ethiopia has also been affected by the seasonal rains, with landslides earlier this month in the southern regions leaving around 80 people dead. Across East Africa, communities are grappling with the combined impacts of heavy rainfall, landslides, flash floods, and ongoing displacement. Vulnerable populations, including those living on hillsides or near rivers, face heightened risk due to inadequate infrastructure and limited disaster preparedness.
Regional climate experts had previously warned that the March-to-May rainy season would be heavier than usual in many East African countries, increasing the likelihood of flooding and landslides. The current series of disasters underscores the urgent need for improved early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and resilient infrastructure to protect vulnerable communities.
As authorities in Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia respond to the immediate humanitarian needs, aid agencies are mobilizing to provide emergency assistance, including food, temporary shelter, medical care, and clean water. The ongoing extreme weather also highlights the broader challenges posed by climate change in the region, with scientists emphasizing the need for long-term adaptation strategies to reduce the vulnerability of communities prone to natural disasters.