The Mbeya Region in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands faced an unprecedented disaster in late March 2026, when relentless and heavy rainfall during the March–May rainy season led to severe flooding and landslides. Rungwe District, the most affected area, bore the brunt of the calamity, as relentless downpours saturated the soil, setting off multiple landslides and flash floods.
The disaster struck with ferocity between the evening of 25 March and the early hours of 26 March 2026, with heavy rains reported for several consecutive hours. Local authorities and media reports highlighted the presence of strong winds, which exacerbated ground instability and contributed to the severity of surface runoff. The worst-affected wards within Rungwe District included Nkunga, Lupepo, Kawetele, and Ikuti.
The landslides that ravaged these communities were particularly deadly, sweeping through homes constructed primarily of mud bricks and corrugated iron sheets. The aftermath was devastating, with access roads and public infrastructure damaged, exacerbating the displacement of families and disruption of livelihoods, particularly among farming households. By 27 March 2026, official reports confirmed a loss of at least 20 lives, with the majority being children, and several others sustaining injuries.
As the search and rescue operations continued amidst ongoing rainfall, there were heightened concerns about the possibility of secondary landslides and further flooding. The emergency response efforts were further complicated by damaged roads and unstable terrain in some affected areas, which limited access to those in need. In response to the crisis, local government authorities, with support from the Tanzania Red Cross Society, initiated initial response actions, including search and rescue operations, providing first aid, and conducting rapid needs assessments to address the immediate needs of the affected population.
Source: reliefweb
Original author: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
