Landslides in Tanzania: the death toll rises to 68

The search is still under way in the north of the country, where thick Landslides caused by torrential rain have swept away dozens of vehicles and homes.

At least 68 people have been killed in landslides caused by torrential rain in the north of Tanzania, according to a new death toll released on Monday 4 December by the authorities, who fear there may be more victims. The previous death toll was 63.

Since Saturday, the rains have been sweeping through the town of Katesh in the north of the country, some 300 kilometres north of the capital Dodoma, causing thick mudslides that have swept away dozens of vehicles and homes.

«We have already counted 68 dead and the search is continuing», said a regional official, Queen Sendiga. «We believe that there are more bodies to be recovered», Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa had previously said during a visit to Katesh, adding that 116 other people had been injured.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was in Dubai to attend the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), offered her «condolences», saying that she had «ordered the deployment» of aid to help those affected.

Earlier, the Hanang district commissioner, Janeth Mayanja, said that many roads were blocked because of «muddy waters that have washed away trees and stones». Images broadcast on state television TBC showed many homes under water and vehicles stuck in thick mud.

The main opposition party, Chadema, also offered its condolences to the families, and urged the authorities to «strengthen disaster early warning systems» and «issue warnings» to avoid such disasters.

Justine