Mbeya. More than 80 households in Nzovwe Ward, Mbeya City, have been left homeless after heavy rains destroyed homes, businesses and livestock.
The rain, which fell on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, lasted approximately 10 minutes and was accompanied by hailstones, causing widespread destruction.
Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi at the affected neighbourhood, residents said they were uncertain about their next steps after losing nearly all their belongings.
Ms Halima Chang’a said although she had managed to rescue her children, all the property inside her house had been swept away by floodwaters, appealing to the government to intervene.
‘Where are we going, and where will we sleep tonight? Let the government assist us. Some of us came here in search of a better life. We are grateful that the children are safe, but we have nothing left. All our belongings have been swept away by water,’ said Mr Chang’a.
Another resident, Ms Emmy Kyando, said she had suffered heavy losses after floodwaters swept away all her household belongings, including her chickens.
‘I do not know whether my child will be safe because he swallowed water while I was struggling to cross the road. I do not know where I will sleep tonight or what will happen next,’ she said.
Mr Yohana Mwakaju said his businesses, including chicken sheds, had also been destroyed, while floodwaters surrounded his house and swept away his belongings.
‘I advise the government to address the drainage problem as it continues constructing this four-lane road. The existing drainage system is inadequate and is creating another problem despite the good intentions behind the project,’ he said.
Nzovwe Ward Councillor, Mr Leo Mwakapila, said flooding in the area was not a new phenomenon, noting that residents had experienced 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.
He said more than 80 households had so far 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.
‘Let me express my condolences and urge residents to take precautions. We have been warned about El Niño, so everyone should prepare at home. Houses have collapsed, and more than 80 households have been affected,’ said the councillor.