At Least 20 Dead in Landslides in Tanzania

SadaNews - Landslides caused by heavy rains in southern Tanzania have claimed at least 20 lives, according to authorities, who expect the death toll to rise.

The East African region has been experiencing heavy rains for weeks, resulting in at least 81 deaths and displacing thousands in neighboring Kenya this month.

In Tanzania, rains accompanied by strong winds caused landslides that destroyed homes early Wednesday in the Mbeya region, according to Jafaar Haniu, the district official of Rungwe where the disaster occurred.

He told reporters: "The death toll has reached 20," clarifying that 18 bodies were found on Wednesday and the other two on Thursday.

He added: "One of the victims is a child aged one and a half years," urging residents to "take necessary precautions" amid forecasts of more rain. Haniu also urged residents in landslide-prone areas to evacuate their homes.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority has forecast heavy rains across much of the country until next Tuesday.