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Earthquake hits Kigoma Region
2007-03-30 08:56:31
By Pascal Shao
An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Ritcher scale occurred yesterday morning in Kigoma Region.
Tanzania Meteorological Agency Director Dr. Mohamed Mhita said in a brief press statement yesterday that there was no information on any damages.
He said the TMA Station in Kigoma just observed the vibrations of buildings as the epicenter was traced to be approximately 125 kilometres south east of Kigoma town.
Dr. Mhita told The Guardian by telephone that earthquakes occurred regularly in Kigoma Region because it was located in the Rift Valley, which is prone to tremors.
He said the disaster had occurred because of natural movements of underneath plates, causing the shaking of the earth`s surface.
Dr. Mhita said the tremor had not occurred in other areas of the country.
He said the earthquake was a sudden phenomenon and there was no preparedness prior to its occurrence.
`There is no way that meteorological experts can predict an earthquake, hence the lack of emergency preparations,` he said.
On December 5, 2005, another earthquake occurred in Geita in Mwanza Region, killing a two year minor and injuring two adults.
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