Deadly mudslides claim lives of over 20 people in Tanzania

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

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

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In Tanzania, the rain combined with strong wind triggered landslides that destroyed houses early Wednesday in the Mbeya region, said Jaffar Haniu, administrator for the Rungwe district where the disaster occurred.

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“The death toll now stands at 20,” he told reporters, saying that 18 bodies were found Wednesday and two more on Thursday.

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“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.

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Those in areas vulnerable to landslides should evacuate, he urged.

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Tanzanian meteorological services have forecasted heavy rain across most of the country through next Tuesday.

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