20 Dead in Southern Tanzania Landslides as Heavy Rains Batter East Africa
News Updated: 27 March 2026 15:07 EAT
At least 20 people have been confirmed dead after landslides triggered by heavy rainfall struck southern Tanzania, with authorities warning the toll could rise as more storms approach.
The disaster occurred in the Mbeya Region, particularly in Rungwe District, where intense rains combined with strong winds caused hillsides to collapse and bury homes.
Local officials reported that 18 bodies were recovered on the first day, with two more discovered later, pushing the death toll to 20.
Among the victims was a young child, underscoring the vulnerability of families living in high-risk areas.
Entire houses were destroyed as mud and debris swept through residential zones following days of relentless rainfall.
Emergency response teams have since been deployed to assist affected communities, with search and rescue operations ongoing amid fears more people may still be trapped.
Authorities have warned that additional heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days, heightening the risk of further landslides and flooding.
Residents in landslide-prone and low-lying areas have been urged to evacuate and take precautionary measures to avoid further casualties.
The Tanzania disaster forms part of a wider regional crisis, as East Africa experiences intense seasonal rains.
Neighbouring Kenya has also reported fatalities and widespread flooding across several counties in recent weeks.
In southern Ethiopia, similar rain-induced landslides earlier this month claimed dozens of lives, highlighting the broader humanitarian threat.
Experts warn that above-average rainfall during the March–May season could worsen the situation, particularly in vulnerable communities near hillsides and riverbanks.
Authorities across the region are now under increasing pressure to strengthen disaster preparedness and response as extreme weather events intensify.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD