Landslides kill at least 20 people in Tanzania

Landslides in southern Tanzania caused by heavy rain have killed at least 20 people, authorities said on Thursday, with the toll expected to rise.

East Africa has been hit for several weeks by torrential rains that have left at least 81 people dead and thousands displaced in neighbouring Kenya this month.

In Tanzania, the rain combined with strong wind triggered landslides that destroyed houses early on Wednesday in the Mbeya region, said 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 on Wednesday and two more on Thursday.

More rainfall expected

"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 forecast heavy rain across most of the country through next Tuesday.