Nairobi, Kenya — A tragic incident has unfolded in southern Tanzania, where landslides have resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals following several days of heavy rainfall. The disaster struck early Wednesday in the Mbeya region, with the force of heavy rain and strong winds causing the landslides that destroyed homes.
Authorities in the Rungwe district confirmed the fatalities, including a young child, and cautioned that the death toll may increase. Efforts are underway to relocate residents from high-risk areas, as meteorological forecasts indicate further rainfall in the near future.
The seasonal rains have caused widespread devastation across East Africa. In neighboring Kenya, flooding has taken at least 88 lives and affected large areas, with over 20 counties reporting damage. Rivers have overflowed due to weeks of heavy downpours.
The situation is equally dire in Ethiopia, where landslides earlier this month led to the deaths of approximately 80 people in the southern region. The scale of destruction has sparked concerns regarding the preparedness of communities in flood-prone areas.
Regional climate experts had predicted an increased likelihood of heavier — than-usual rainfall during the March-to-May season, with several East African countries expected to bear the brunt of the impact. The ongoing heavy rains have highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure and emergency response systems in the region.
Source: Africanews
