DAR ES SALAAM -- At least 1,660 people have been left homeless due to heavy rains that destroyed 699 houses in the Nachingwea district of the Lindi region in southern Tanzania, an official announced on Saturday.

Mohamed Moyo, the Nachingwea district commissioner, said that some of the affected individuals have been temporarily housed in public schools while efforts are underway to secure humanitarian aid.

"Most of the houses have been irreparably damaged, and district authorities are assessing the full extent of the devastation caused by the rains," he said during a news conference in Nachingwea district.

The heavy rains have destroyed crops, with the most affected village being Nagaga in Naipanga ward, Moyo added.