Same. Fear, confusion and panic have spread in Makandeni Sub‑hamlet, Marieni Village, Chome Ward, Same District, Kilimanjaro Region, after the ground began to shake and crack, producing fissures that extended into residential areas.
As a result, 10 households have abandoned their homes, while one place of worship has become unusable due to large cracks caused by the phenomenon.
Residents living at the foot of Chome Mountains have been gripped by fear, witnessing the land shifting and some areas sinking, raising serious concerns about their safety.
Some affected families have relocated to temporary shelters, moving both people and belongings while awaiting government intervention.
When The Citizen's sister newspaper, Mwananchi, visited the area on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, one church was observed left open after its walls developed major cracks, with the floor showing signs of shaking. Worshippers suspended services and sought refuge in nearby churches while awaiting a permanent solution.
Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Mr Nurdin Babu, said the government has already begun taking action by ordering experts to conduct a thorough investigation.
“I have received the reports and instructed experts to go quickly to determine the cause of the problem and the proper measures to take,” he said.
A similar incident occurred in 2009 in Manja Sub‑hamlet, Mamba Myamba Ward, in the same district, where 24 people died after being covered by landslides and mudflows, prompting some residents to relocate.
Residents speak out
Local residents said the situation is worsening, with land fissures spreading from one area to another, increasing fear in the community.
The elder of the affected Kungwini Sabbath Church, Mr Msafiri Mkodo, said the problem has forced them to relocate twice from one worship site to another, and even after building a new church, it too was affected.
“Initially, we saw small cracks, but they became large and endangered our lives. We moved and built another church nearby, but the same problem occurred. Now we have had to leave completely,” he said.
Congregants have no place to worship and are scattered among other churches, while preparing to construct a temporary shelter in a safe area.
Another local resident, Amani Elia, said families had to leave after their homes developed severe cracks, making it unsafe to sleep at night.
“Currently, we live with relatives; we cannot stay in houses with major cracks. We fear they could collapse at any time,” she said.
Me John Chambua added that many residents have left voluntarily to save their lives while waiting for government experts to determine the cause.
“This is not a normal situation. The cracks are spreading every day. We decided to leave first and wait for the experts’ findings,” he said.
Elisa Mtera said what increases their fear is the speed at which the land is moving, claiming that in some areas it has shifted by up to one metre.
“We wonder where this land is going when it moves. It means there is a powerful force beneath it. This is very frightening,” she said.
Makandeni Sub‑hamlet Chairperson, Ms Marry Godfrey, said 10 households, including her own, have already fled, noting that the impact has affected three sub‑hamlets.
“People have nowhere to stay, houses have cracked, even farms have been affected. We request urgent government assistance,” she said.
Marieni Village Chairperson, Mr Andrea Mndeme, said the problem began late last year and has been intensifying daily.
“As time passes, the situation is getting worse. We need experts to come and tell us the truth and the measures to take,” he said.
