Residents of Itezi Ward in Mbeya were left dismayed by a mudslide from Kawetele Mountain, which destroyed more than twenty houses and buried four cattle and three dogs.
Among the affected properties is Generational Primary School, which hosts around 200 students; most of its buildings were damaged. The incident occurred around 6:00 PM on April 14, 2024, with residents near the mountain hearing a loud noise, prompting them to quickly evacuate their homes.
“I was heading to my farm around six in the morning when I heard a very loud noise as if a truck had fallen. That’s when I saw the mudflow coming down,” said Manege Kanjota, one of the witnesses of the incident.
While the government is yet to release its technical report on the incident, aerial footage shows a small section of Kawetele Mountain had broken off following persistent rains in Mbeya. Despite damage to properties, no deaths or injuries were reported.
The Regional Commissioner, Juma Homera, directed the local land authority to investigate the cause of the mudslide and urged people to take precautions. “Those affected by the mudslide should not return to their areas; it is not safe,” emphasized Homera.
The incident adds to the country’s challenges as it battles widespread flooding, with about 58 people dead in flooding incidents since April 1.
In Mbeya alone, six people have died due to the floods. These incidents underscore the country’s vulnerability to climate risks and emphasize the need for adequate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
One Response
Its an emergency. There are human beings who were and are still leaving there. Let us not look at the state and local policies rather lets respond first and lets be ready for whatever follows though we do not anticipate so as our wishes.
There are still some more risks to come despite the magnitude of the problem itself. Water, Health, Security and others. Experiences from other places enforces vigilance in such a time. Authorities please rise the alarm so that people can follow.