At least 20 people were killed in landslides triggered by heavy rainfall and strong wind in southern Tanzania, local authorities confirmed on Thursday.
With more rain expected in the coming days, the authorities fear the death toll could rise further. They are therefore urging residents in the landslide-risk zone to evacuate.
Eastern Africa has been hit hard by heavy rains recently, with at least 81 people killed in flooding in neighbouring Kenya.
In Tanzania, the rain combined with strong winds triggered landslides that destroyed houses early Wednesday in the Mbeya region, according to Jaffar Haniu, administrator for the Rungwe district where the disaster occurred.
“The death toll now stands at 20,” he told reporters, saying that 18 bodies were found Wednesday and two more on Thursday.
“One victim is a very young child, a year and a half old,” Haniu added, while calling on residents to “take precautions” as more rain was expected.
Those in areas vulnerable to landslides should evacuate, he urged.
Tanzanian meteorological services have forecasted heavy downpour across most of the country through next Tuesday.
MG/as/APA