Landslide

THE death toll from the landslides triggered by heavy rains and strong winds in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region in the early hours of Wednesday, has risen to 20.Rungwe District Commissioner Jaffar Haniu said the increase follows the deaths of two children from Kipande Village in Kinyala Ward -Rahel George (9) and Isack George (1), whose home was engulfed by the landslide.Speaking yesterday, Mr Haniu urged residents living in high-risk areas to evacuate immediately.“Much of Rungwe District consists of hills and valleys, and residents who built homes at the foot of hills were the most affected. I urge them to move to safer areas until conditions improve,” he said.He noted that access to social services remains largely normal, although some infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has been damaged.District authorities have already begun assisting affected residents, while regional authorities are coordinating additional relief efforts.Earlier, Mbeya Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Benjamin Kuzaga, said 18 people had initially been confirmed dead after landslides buried several homes in Nkunga, Lupepo and Kawete wards.Of the victims, four were adults, three women and one man, while 14 were children, including eight girls and six boys.SACP Kuzaga listed the victims as Chapakazi Mwasota, Rhoida Mwangwina, Gladness Chapakazi, Neema Mwasyema, Aneth Morohan, Obeid Shibuka, and Itika Manyanya.Others who died include Vivian Ahonga, Briana Mwachiombo, Dailan Kasambala, Innocent Kasambala, Vivian Andrea, Princess Ibrahim, Nathanael Christopher, Jonathan Hamis, Irine Anangisye, Wema Hamis, and Kenedy Mahenge.The disaster was caused by heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, which triggered large landslides that buried more than nine houses built with mud bricks and corrugated iron sheets.Five people – three girls and two adults were injured and are receiving treatment at Makandana District Hospital in Tukuyu and Kiwira Prison Health Centre.Police, in collaboration with fire and rescue teams, continue search and rescue operations in the affected areas. Health teams are also conducting post-mortem examinations and providing treatment to survivors, while the District Disaster Committee assesses damage and coordinates aid.Meanwhile, authorities in Ifakara Town Council in Morogoro Region have issued warnings over possible flooding and outbreaks of infectious diseases. Kilombero District Commissioner Dunstan Kyobya urged residents in low-lying areas to relocate.“I urge all residents in flood-prone areas to move to safer ground as the rains intensify. We must take precautions and avoid areas where water is accumulating,” he said during his visit to the affected areas on Wednesday.The floods have affected Kibaoni, Lumemo, Michenga, Lipangalala and Mbasa wards, with 1,106 households impacted, 28 houses destroyed and 619 livestock affected.Acting Director of Ifakara Town Council, Folkward Mchami, said the council is working closely with residents to deliver relief assistance, including food, bedding materials and temporary shelter.
He called on stakeholders to support affected families with essential supplies.The council’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Erick Atugonza urged residents to take precautions against waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.He advised the public to treat water before use and to use mosquito nets to prevent malaria, especially during the rainy season.