A hailstorm accompanied by strong winds has caused significant damage in various parts of Kigoma-Ujiji Municipality in Tanzania. The storm, which occurred on October 29 and 30, 2026, has left over 70 residential houses and two churches without roofs, leaving many residents homeless and without basic necessities. The affected residents are appealing to the government and stakeholders for aid, particularly for families with children who have no safe places to stay.
According to Acting Kigoma Regional Fire and Rescue Force Commander Rusajo Mboli, a preliminary assessment has established that 70 residential houses and two churches had their roofs blown off by strong winds. The worst-affected neighbourhood is Gezaulole, with 30 houses damaged, followed by Mwenye with 14, Masanga with 14, and Kikunku with nine. Two people were injured in the incident and are receiving treatment at Maweni Regional Referral Hospital in Kigoma.
Residents of the affected areas are facing significant challenges, with many forced to leave their damaged homes and seek shelter with relatives. Kikunku resident Juma Mfaume has relocated his mother to his own home to ensure her safety, while January Gervas, a resident of Masanga, is worried about where his family will find shelter, particularly with young children. The situation is dire, with many families lacking access to basic necessities.
The impact of the heavy rains has also been felt in other parts of Kigoma Region. On October 28, 2026, rainfall in Kasulu District Council caused 11 houses to collapse, while the roofs of three classrooms at Kisuma Primary School in Nyamnyusi Ward were blown off. A Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nyamnyusi also collapsed, adding to the region's woes.
Masanga Neighbourhood Chairperson James Samwel has urged government leaders to speed up assistance to affected residents, citing the extensive damage caused by the rains. He noted that the government has already set aside funds for disaster response and called for those who have lost their homes and property to receive necessary support.
The affected residents are appealing for government intervention, with Hassan Ibrahim, a resident of Gungu, highlighting the financial difficulties his family is facing. The damage has worsened their situation, particularly since their home also served as the centre of their economic activities, including livestock keeping.
The government and stakeholders are yet to respond to the appeals for aid, but the situation on the ground is dire, with many families in need of urgent assistance. The heavy rains have caused significant destruction in Kigoma, leaving many residents without homes or basic necessities, and the response efforts are yet to gain momentum.
Key points
- Over 70 homes damaged in Kigoma-Ujiji Municipality
- Two churches also affected by the hailstorm and strong winds
- Residents appeal for government aid to address the humanitarian crisis
