Mbeya — At least 18 people have died after torrential rains accompanied by strong winds triggered severe flooding and landslides in the Mbeya Region. The disaster struck the Rungwe District between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on March 25, 2026.
According to a report by Mbeya Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga, the severe weather devastated the wards of Nkunga, Lupepo, Kawetele, and Ikuti. The victims included four adults and 14 children, comprising eight girls and six boys.
The heavy downpours caused massive mudslides that swept away more than nine houses. These homes were primarily constructed from mud bricks and corrugated iron sheets.
Among the deceased adults were Chapakazi Mwasota, 60, Lida Mwangimwa, 55, Neema Mwasema, 31, and Annet Morohani, 35. Other adult victims included Itika Manyanya, 26, Obedi Shibuka, 20, and Bradness Chapakazi, 18.
The children who lost their lives included infants as young as 10 months old. Several primary and secondary school students from the affected communities also perished in the disaster.
Five other individuals sustained injuries during the catastrophic event. The injured group includes three young girls and two adults.
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The injured are currently receiving medical treatment at Makandana District Hospital in Tukuyu and the Kiwira Prisons College Dispensary. Medical staff report that their conditions are steadily improving.
Police, fire, and rescue teams have been deployed to the affected areas. They are conducting ongoing search and recovery operations to locate any remaining victims.
Medical personnel are also on the ground performing autopsies and providing first aid to survivors. Meanwhile, the district disaster committee is assessing the damage to coordinate further relief efforts.
Broader crisis
The tragedy in Mbeya is part of a broader crisis affecting the country. Relentless rainfall continues to cause widespread devastation across multiple regions.
Between March 15 and March 19, 2026, heavy rains affected thousands of households nationwide, as well as leading to several fatalities and injuries.
Critical infrastructure has also suffered severe damage across the nation. In the renowned Serengeti National Park, flooding has submerged roads and bridges.
READ MORE: The Aftermath of Floods in Arusha: Blocked Waterways and the Cost of Inaction
The destruction in the park left numerous tourist vehicles stranded for extended periods. The government has responded by allocating Sh8.1 billion to urgently repair the damaged infrastructure.
Emergency measures have already been implemented by park authorities. These include temporary road repairs and the provision of emergency accommodation for stranded visitors.
In the Mwanza Region, the government has provided Sh5 million in relief aid to assist flood victims. Authorities are actively working to support those displaced by the rising waters.
Furthermore, the government has committed to completing 81 priority bridge projects nationwide during the 2026 fiscal cycle. This initiative aims to enhance the country’s resilience against climate-induced destruction.
Warning
The situation may worsen in the coming days, according to recent meteorological forecasts. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has issued a nationwide alert warning of continued heavy rainfall.
The TMA anticipates significant downpours exceeding 20 millimetres in 24 hours across several key regions. Affected areas include Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Tanga, Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, Mara, and Simiyu.
Other regions expected to experience heavy rains are Arusha, Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Kigoma, Katavi, Rukwa, and Songwe. The islands of Pemba and Unguja are also included in the weather warning.
The authority has warned of a high likelihood of localised flooding in these areas. Such flooding could severely disrupt economic activities and daily life.
Specific heavy rain warnings have also been issued for Tabora and Singida regions. Residents in all forecasted areas have been strongly advised to remain vigilant.
Citizens are urged to take necessary safety precautions and make adequate preparations. The government continues to coordinate its response through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs.
Authorities are aiming to mitigate the impacts of the severe weather as quickly as possible. They remain focused on supporting affected communities and restoring essential services.
