Twenty-two people have died following a landslide at an illegal mine in northern Tanzania.

The incident occurred at Ng’alita mine in Bariadi district, Simiyu region.

District commissioner Simon Simalenga said it occurred after a group of people started mining in an area where activity was restricted due to heavy rains.

Mr. Simalenga said he was initially told that there were nineteen to twenty people trapped in the mines, but twenty-two bodies ended up being retrieved.