Authorities urge calm as GST probes Kagera tremor

KAGERA: AUTHORITIES in Kagera Region have urged residents to remain calm following a 5.0-magnitude earthquake that struck the area yesterday morning, as the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) investigates the tremor, with no casualties reported so far.

The earthquake occurred at around 5:23 am, shaking buildings and reviving memories of the devastating 5.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the region in September 2016, killing 17 people and damaging homes and public infrastructure.

Speaking to the ‘Daily News’, Senior Geologist and Head of the Natural Disasters Unit at GST, Mr Gabriel Mbogoni, said investigations were underway to establish the characteristics and possible causes of the latest tremor.

He said further tremors could occur because natural geological processes remained active, although earthquakes could not be predicted with certainty.

“Earthquakes cannot be predicted. We are still investigating this morning’s earthquake and the possibility of further tremors cannot be ruled out,” he said.

Mr Mbogoni explained that earthquakes could result from natural geological processes, including the movement of rocks along faults.

He added that certain human activities, such as underground nuclear tests, could also trigger seismic events.

However, he said scientific assessment was necessary before establishing the cause of the latest earthquake or determining whether it was linked to previous seismic activity.

“Before constructing a house, it is important to conduct a proper assessment of the site, ensure a strong foundation and comply with the required building standards,” he said, calling for increased public education on earthquake preparedness.

Meanwhile, Kagera Regional Commissioner, Colonel Ramadhan Yahaya Kido, urged residents to remain calm as authorities continued collecting reports from different parts of the region to establish the extent of the earthquake’s impact.

He said no deaths have been reported at the time of speaking, adding that officials were contacting local leaders to determine whether the tremor caused damage.

Bukoba District Commissioner Erasto Sima said he personally felt the earthquake at his residence and received calls from residents who reported experiencing the shaking.

“We thank God that, so far, we have not received reports of any harm. However, we are continuing to collect information from different parts of the municipality and rural areas to establish whether there has been any damage,” he said.

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Mr Sima described the tremor as unusually strong, citing a report from a resident in Nyanga Ward who said cupboards opened during the shaking.

Recalling the 2016 disaster, he advised residents whose houses developed cracks, as well as those undertaking construction or renovation, to ensure that necessary repairs were properly completed.

He also cautioned residents against using unsafe makeshift structures, stressing the importance of safe buildings in areas prone to earthquakes.

In Bukoba Municipality, residents said the tremor awakened them from sleep, causing fear among those who remembered the 2016 disaster.

Mr Shaban Karugaba, 65, of Kashai Ward, said the earthquake woke him up and appeared to last about a minute.

Ms Janet Korushusho, 34, of Rwamishenye Ward, said she felt her house shaking before rushing outside for safety.

“We are still afraid because of what happened ten years ago. We pray that this time there will be no similar tragedy,” she said.

The earthquake was also reported to have been felt in parts of neighbouring Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda, although its full geographical extent and impact remained subject to assessment.

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