Heavy rains accompanied by hailstones hit Nzovwe Ward in Mbeya City, Tanzania, on November 3, 2026, causing widespread destruction. The rain, which lasted approximately 10 minutes, left more than 80 households without homes, businesses, or livestock. Residents described the scene as devastating, with floodwaters sweeping away nearly all their belongings. The sudden downpour caught residents off guard, leaving them uncertain about their next steps.
Residents of Nzovwe Ward expressed their despair over the losses incurred during the heavy rains. Ms. Halima Chang'a said she managed to rescue her children but lost all her property inside her house. She appealed to the government to intervene and provide assistance to the affected families. Chang'a expressed concern about where her family would sleep that night and urged the government to help.
Another resident, Ms. Emmy Kyando, suffered heavy losses after floodwaters swept away her household belongings, including her chickens. She expressed worry about her child's safety, as he had swallowed water while she was struggling to cross the road. Kyando was uncertain about her future and where she would sleep that night.
Mr. Yohana Mwakaju, a resident of Nzovwe Ward, reported that his businesses, including chicken sheds, had been destroyed, and floodwaters had surrounded his house, sweeping away his belongings. He advised the government to address the drainage problem, particularly as it continued constructing a four-lane road in the area. Mwakaju noted that the existing drainage system was inadequate and was creating another problem despite the good intentions behind the project.
Nzovwe Ward Councillor, Mr. Leo Mwakapila, stated that flooding in the area was not a new phenomenon, with residents experiencing similar incidents since 2018. He expressed sympathy with the affected households and urged residents to take precautionary measures following warnings by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) about above-average rainfall associated with El Niño conditions.
According to Councillor Mwakapila, more than 80 households had been severely affected, although no deaths had been reported. He attributed the flooding mainly to inadequate road infrastructure, particularly drainage systems that could not accommodate water flowing from higher ground. Mwakapila urged residents to take precautions and prepare for potential future incidents.
The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) had warned about above-average rainfall associated with El Niño conditions, which could lead to further flooding in various parts of the country. The government has been urged to take measures to mitigate the effects of the floods and provide assistance to affected families. Residents of Nzovwe Ward are currently seeking assistance and shelter after losing their homes and belongings.
Key points
- More than 80 households in Nzovwe Ward, Mbeya City, have been left homeless after heavy rains destroyed homes, businesses, and livestock.
- The flooding in Nzovwe Ward is attributed mainly to inadequate road infrastructure, particularly drainage systems that could not accommodate water flowing from higher ground.
- The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) had warned about above-average rainfall associated with El Niño conditions, which could lead to further flooding in various parts of the country.
