Eighteen people have died following heavy rains and strong winds that hit parts of Rungwe District in Mbeya Region in the early hours of March 25, 2026.
The disaster struck Nkunga, Lupepo, Kawetele, and Ikuti wards, leaving families mourning and homes destroyed.
Mbeya Regional Police Commander, SACP Benjamin Kuzaga, confirmed that more than nine mud-brick houses were swept away by landslides triggered by the severe weather.
The rains started around 6:00 p.m. and continued until 9:30 a.m., with strong winds worsening the situation.
“The heavy rains and winds caused landslides that claimed 18 lives, including four adults and 14 children,” said Commander Kuzaga.
Among the deceased are Chapakazi Mwasota (60), Rhoida Mwangwina (55), Gladness Chapakazi (18), Neema Mwasyema (31), Aneth Morohan (35), Obeid Shibuka (20), and Itika Manyanya (26). Many of the children were students from local primary and secondary schools.
Five others, including three girls and two adults, were injured and are receiving treatment at Makandana District Hospital in Tukuyu and the Kiwira Prison College Dispensary.
Police, together with the Fire and Rescue Force, are continuing search and rescue operations, while doctors examine the deceased and provide urgent care to survivors.
The District Disaster Committee is assessing the damage and coordinating aid for affected families.
The tragedy has left residents in shock, with government agencies and partners working to provide support to survivors and rebuild lives shattered by the disaster.
