Earthquake in Tanzania Leaves More Than 200 Injured

A devastating earthquake that hit Tanzania over the weekend has left more than 200 people injured and has claimed the lives of 14 people thus far. 

The earthquake hit close to the border with Uganda and close to Lake Victoria on Saturday afternoon. 

District commissioner for the town of Bukoba – a town that was at the epicentre of 5.7 magnitude earthquake – said that thus far 14 people have been confirmed dead, although more victims may be discovered. 

A mourning ceremony was held at the Bukoba stadium on Sunday that Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa attended. 

Besides the lives lost, officials have said that more than 270 houses had been destroyed by the earthquake and electricity was cut off for a period of time. 

“…Telecommunications have been disrupted and we are trying to get a clear picture of the damage to hospitals and other essential infrastructure [sic],” a spokesperson for the Red Cross said. 

The Red Cross also said that hospitals have reached full capacity and that the hospitals had limited availability with regards to medicines and other essential equipment.