"The floods were a result of heavy rains that pounded Makanya area in the district over the weekend," Same district MP John Singo told AFP by telephone.

"There were no reports of casualties," he said.

Floods are a common problem during the rainy season in southern Tanzania, but rare in the country's northern region.

Singo appealed to the government and aid organisations to help villagers reduced to destitution after losing their property destroyed in the floods.

"They have no shelter, no medicine or food," he said.

TERRA.WIRE