
The magnitude 5.7 earthquake in Kagera region caused ‘widespread damage’ and killed at least 15 people and injured hundreds more. Photo: Tanzania Red Cross Society
At least 15 people have been killed and medical supplies are in short supply after Saturday’s magnitude 5.7 earthquake in Kagera region.
A further 300 people have been injured, says the Tanzanian Red Cross Society.
“The city’s main hospital … is currently stretched to nearly full capacity and has limited stock of medicine,” says Andreas Sandin, a Red Cross operations coordinator.
Over 270 homes were destroyed and widespread damage is evident in Bukoba, a city of 70,000 hardest hit by the quake.
Bukoba is just 44 kilometers from the epicenter.
“Telecommunications have been disrupted and we are trying to get a clear picture of the damage to hospitals and other essential infrastructure,” says Sandin.
The quake happened near the border with Uganda at 15:27 local time on September 10, says the US Geological Survey (USGS.)
Only minor damage has been reported on the Ugandan side of the border.
- Photo: PMO Handout
- Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa examines wreckage. Photo: PMO Handout
- Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa visits with the injured. Photo: PMO Handout
- Photo: contributed
- Photo: contributed
- Photo: contributed