Heavy Rains Trigger Deadly Landslides in Southern Tanzania, Killing at Least 20

At least 20 people have died after heavy rains triggered landslides in southern Tanzania’s Mbeya region, with more victims possibly still buried. The disaster destroyed homes and displaced residents, while ongoing rains across East Africa continue to cause widespread damage, including dozens of deaths in neighbouring Kenya. Authorities have urged people in high-risk areas to evacuate as more rainfall is expected.

Landslides triggered by days of heavy rainfall in southern Tanzania have killed at least 20 people, authorities said on Thursday, warning that the number of fatalities could rise as rescue operations continue in the affected communities.
The incident occurred after prolonged downpours, accompanied by strong winds, struck parts of the Mbeya region early on Wednesday. The severe weather conditions caused sections of land to collapse, burying homes and trapping residents in Rungwe district, one of the worst-hit areas.
Jaffar Haniu, the district administrator for Rungwe, confirmed that emergency teams recovered 18 bodies on Wednesday, while two more victims were found on Thursday, bringing the official death toll to 20. He noted that search efforts were still ongoing, raising fears that more victims could be discovered under the debris.
Among those who lost their lives was a toddler aged about one and a half years, highlighting the devastating impact of the disaster on vulnerable families. Several others sustained injuries, while many residents have been left homeless after their houses were either destroyed or severely damaged by the landslides.
The disaster in Tanzania comes amid a broader pattern of extreme weather across East Africa, where torrential rains have battered several countries for weeks. In neighbouring Kenya, the heavy rains have already claimed at least 81 lives and forced thousands of people to flee their homes due to flooding and related incidents.
Authorities in Tanzania have urged residents, particularly those living in high-risk and mountainous areas, to take precautionary measures. Haniu called on people residing in landslide-prone zones to evacuate immediately and seek safer ground to avoid further casualties.
Emergency responders, including local authorities and community volunteers, have been working around the clock to search for survivors, recover bodies, and provide assistance to affected families. Relief efforts are also being mobilised to support displaced residents with temporary shelter and basic necessities.
Meanwhile, the Tanzanian Meteorological Agency has warned that heavy rainfall is expected to persist across much of the country through next Tuesday. The forecast has heightened concerns about additional landslides and flooding, prompting officials to intensify public safety warnings and preparedness measures.
As communities grapple with the aftermath of the disaster, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for vigilance as adverse weather conditions are likely to continue in the coming days.