Mbeya (HT): At least 20 people have been killed after landslides triggered by heavy rainfall struck southern Tanzania, as extreme weather continues to affect parts of East Africa.
Local officials said the disaster occurred early Wednesday in the Mbeya region, where days of intense rain and strong winds caused hillsides to collapse, destroying homes. Authorities in Rungwe district confirmed the deaths, including a young child, and warned that the number of casualties could increase.
Residents living in high-risk areas have been advised to move to safer locations, as weather forecasts predict continued rainfall in the coming days.
Across East Africa, seasonal rains have caused widespread destruction. In Kenya, flooding has killed at least 88 people, with more than 20 counties affected and rivers overflowing after prolonged heavy rains. The military has been deployed to assist in rescue operations.
Ethiopia has also faced similar disasters, with landslides earlier this month leaving around 80 people dead in southern parts of the country.
The scale of the damage has raised concerns about disaster preparedness and the risks faced by communities living in flood-prone areas.
Climate experts had previously warned that the March-to-May rainy season could bring heavier-than-normal rainfall across the region, increasing the likelihood of floods and landslides.
