Tanzanian PM visits quake-hit region as death toll rises to 16

This photo taken on Sept 10, 2016 in Bukoba region in northwest Tanzania, shows houses damaged following an earthquake measured 5.7 magnitude which struck the country's Lake Zone. [Photo/Xinhua]

DAR ES SALAAM - Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Sunday visited Kagera region to console people and inspect damage caused by an earthquake on Saturday as the number of dead rose from 11 to 16.

Salum Kijuu, the Kagera regional commissioner, said the number of people killed by the earthquake measured at a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale rose from 11 on Saturday to 16 on Sunday, adding that over 100 injured people were being treated in hospitals.

Kijuu said 840 houses were flattened to ground and 1,264 other houses developed huge cracks following the earthquake that hit the region bordering Uganda and Rwanda.

"Over 40 buildings belonging to the government, including schools, were also damaged," said Kijuu.

"Bodies of the deceased were brought to a national stadium in Bukoba town for final prayers before they were ferried to their native places for burial," said Kijuu, adding that the prayers were also attended by the Prime Minister after he had inspected some of the areas most affected by the quake.

Kijuu said no foreigners were killed or injured by the earthquake. "All the victims are locals," he told Xinhua by telephone.

Speaking at the Kaitaba National Stadium, Premier Majaliwa said a team of experts from the government will assess the damage caused by the earthquake.