State radio in Tanzania says more than 100 gold diggers are feared dead after heavy rains flooded mines in the north of the country.

The radio quoted the governor of the Arusha region Daniel Ole Njoolay as saying that more than 14 small mines around Mirarani had been inundated; rescuers had so far managed to recover only two bodies.

Mr Njoolay said the local police, fire brigade, a regional water engineer and mines officer were working together to assist rescue operations.

"Rescuers are finding it difficult to go through because of flooding. We are also poorly equipped," he told reporters.

The Tanzanian Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye is expected to fly to the area on Sunday.

The pits in the area are worked by small-scale miners looking mainly for gold and precious stones, including Tanzanite, a semi-precious stone found only in the country.
 

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