DAR ES SALAAM — Heavy rainfall triggered deadly landslides in southern Tanzania's Mbeya region, killing at least 20 people and destroying multiple homes, authorities said.
The landslides struck early Wednesday in the Rungwe district, where torrential rain combined with strong winds caused mudslides that swept away houses in the wards of Nkunga, Lupepo, Kawetele and Ikuti. Among the victims were four adults and 14 children, according to regional police reports. Rescue teams recovered 18 bodies on Wednesday and two more on Thursday, with officials warning the toll could rise as search operations continue in the affected areas.
The Mbeya region, located in the southern highlands, has experienced weeks of intense seasonal rains typical of Tanzania's wet period. The downpours overwhelmed slopes in hilly terrain, leading to sudden mudslides that buried structures and blocked roads. Local administrator Jaffar Haniu confirmed the deaths and said emergency crews were working to locate any remaining missing individuals.
Tanzania has faced repeated flooding and landslide incidents during recent rainy seasons, with similar events in other parts of the country causing broader damage to infrastructure, crops and homes. In the latest incident, more than nine houses were destroyed or severely damaged, displacing families and interrupting local transportation. Preliminary assessments indicated additional impacts on small farms and community facilities in the rural district.
Government officials have mobilized local authorities and emergency services to provide immediate assistance, including temporary shelter and medical support for survivors. The disaster occurred as forecasters had warned of continued heavy rainfall across parts of East Africa, increasing risks in vulnerable highland and low-lying zones.
As of Friday, rescue and recovery efforts remained underway in Rungwe district, with teams clearing debris and assessing further risks from saturated ground. Authorities continued to monitor weather conditions, as additional storms were forecast in the coming days. Affected communities received warnings to avoid unstable slopes while relief distribution proceeded.
