5.7-magnitude earthquake hits northwest Tanzania

An earthquake measuring 5.7 magnitude has hit the northwestern Tanzania's Kagera region at around 3:27 p.m. local time, destroying properties including houses.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake had an epicenter of 10 kilometers in Nsunga area, 44 kilometers from Kagera's capital Bukoba, close to the western shore of Lake Victoria.

Augustine Ollomi, Kagera Regional Police Commander told Xinhua in a telephone interview that the earth tremor has destroyed people's properties including commercial and residential houses.

He said the earthquakes caused a commotion in the area, which is close to Lake Victoria's shores.

"But, we're still assessing the impact of the earthquakes, so I'm not in a position to speak on the causalities. But, the impact is big," the regional police chief said.

One of the victims in Bukoba Municipality, Lilian Lugakingira, said her house was affected by the earthquake.

"I thank God it wasn't damaged," she said, adding that the impact caused mayhem in the area.

According to her, a number of houses have been damaged with the earth tremor.

There were reports of the earthquake being felt in Mwanza city, Tanzania's second biggest city.

Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Ahmed Msangi also confirmed on the earthquakes, "but no causalities have reported." 

Source : XINHUA