At least 13 people have died and 203 injured after an earthquake, measuring 5.7 on the Richter Scale, struck Northern Tanzania on Saturday, BBC reported. Tremors were reported in Uganda and Rwanda as well. The US Geological Survey showed the epicentre of the earthquake 25 kilometres from the north-western town of Nsunga, near Lake Victoria.
Photographs shared on social media platforms show buildings damaged in Bukoba city, which reportedly suffered the most damage. The city's district commissioner, Deodatus Kinawila, said, "For now, the situation is calm and under control," BBC reported. Kinawila said several of the injured have been discharged from the hospital and that they do not expect too many reports of injuries.
Tanzanian President John Magufuli's office issued a statement saying he was "shocked by reports of the earthquake that caused the death of many people, injury to others and destruction of property." According to a report by The Guardian, low intensity seismic activity is quite a common occurrence in the Great Lakes region.
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