Quake Leaves 16 deaths and more than 120 injured in Kagera

Kagera Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr Augustine Ollomi, confirmed the reports.

The earthquake measured at a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale.

Meanwhile, President John Magufuli has sent condolences to Kagera Regional Commissioner (RC), Retired Major General Salum Mustafa Kijuu, following the death of the residents who died from the impact of the earthquake today in the region.

In a statement issued by the Presidential Directorate of Communication, the president expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, which claimed people's lives and left behind a number of others who were injured.

The tremor also caused serious damage to property. The president further said that he was joining the families of the deceased, friends and relatives and pray for those who died to rest in peace.

"Through you the RC of Kagera and RCs of regions next to yours, which were hit by the quake, I extend my condolences to families, relatives and friends of the deceased and pray to Almighty God to bestow on them patience and perseverance in this difficult time," said Dr Magufuli.

The president also prayed for those who were injured to regain their health through speedy recovery.

An expert from the Geological Survey of Tanzania, Mr Gabriel Mbogoni, confirmed the occurrence of the earthquake, saying it was of the most intensive ever experienced in the country before.

According to Mr Mbogoni, this was the second earthquake to hit Tanzania in recent years, recalling the last one which was reported in Bariadi District in Simiyu Region (then part of Shinyanga Region) in 2000.

He said normally the earthquake never hits once. He predicted the possibility of hitting again the very same area after a couple of days scientifically known as aftershocks.

Responding on whether the institution released an alert on the scenario, Mr Mbogoni said normally it is impossible for the authorities to issue an early warning. He added that even the developed countries have failed to do so.

The residents in the two affected regions were filled with tension after they were hit by the earthquake. According to information obtained from Kagera and Mwanza regions, the earthquake caused deaths and destruction of property including the collapse of homes and warehouses.