Strong 5.9 magnitude quake hits Tanzania: 13 killed, 203 injured

Dodoma: A strong 5.9 magnitude earthquake on Sunday rocked the northern part of east African country Tanzania killing at least 13 people and injuring 203 others.

The quake took place near the border with Rwanda and Uganda close to Lake Victoria causing great damage to buildings in Bukoba, a town in northwest Tanzania with a population count of more than 70,000.

“The earthquake has caused a lot of damage,” said district commissioner of Bukoba Deodatus Kinawila. “The situation is, however, under control and calm now,” he added.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at a depth of 10kms at 1527 hours (local time).

Other highlights:

• Most casualties were reported from Bukoba.
• Tremors of the quake were also felt far away in western Kenya.
• A magnitude six earthquake had earlier struck the Tanzanian town of Arusha in July, 2007.

Also Read: 13 killed, many injured in two overnight blasts in Iraqi capital