At least five people have been killed and several others went missing after heavy rains pummelled Tanzania's western region of Katavi, local leaders said Friday, APA reports quoting Xinhua.
Reports said that the heavy rains started in the area at around 2 a.m. local time, damaging dozens of houses in villages located in Mlele District.
Silasi Ilumba, Kasansa ward councilor said that people's properties and wild animals like baboons were swept off by the floods.
"Heavy rains started raining midnight when most people were asleep. Those rains caused floods which swept off people and wild animals, taking into account that the affected areas are close to Katavi National Park," the official said.
Ilumba said among the dead include three school children and five people are nowhere to be seen.
According to the local leader, 27 houses were completely swept off by floods, rendering more than 100 people homeless.
Elika Ntabagi, Kasansa ward executive officer, said that some people have been trapped as the roads are becoming impassable, hindering efforts to assist them.
"The challenge is caused by the fact that it has been raining on the mountain side, posing a catastrophic situation for people living in the lowland areas," he said, adding that district authorities have been informed on the disaster that needs an immediate response.
Authorities in the area have suspended classes in the area after a number of school buildings were damaged.
Issa Suleiman Njiku, Mlele District Commissioner said a rescue team has been dispatched to the affected areas to find survivors.
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