AFRICA/TANZANIA - Earthquake in the north-west: "The rescue operations started immediately" says the Bishop of Rulenge-Ngara

Monday, 12 September 2016 earthquake  

Dar es Salaam (Agenzia Fides) - "The earthquake was not very strong in my diocese, but some areas have been damaged. Even some church structures have been damaged, such as the minor seminary and a parish", says to Agenzia Fides His Exc. Mgr. Severine Niwemugizi, Bishop of Rulenge-Ngara, in the northwest of Tanzania, which was hit by an earthquake on September 10 of magnitude 5.7.
"Most of the victims are in the region of Bukoba" said Mgr. Niwemugizi. According to agency news, the provisional official toll counts 16 dead, 253 injured and 840 buildings destroyed.
"Rescue operations are underway. The government reacted quickly, even if it takes time to reach all the affected areas", said Mgr. Niwemugizi.
"I know for a fact that the Bishop of Bukoba, Mgr. Desiderius Rwoma, is organizing the aid operations of the Church because some parishes have been affected. Telephone communications with the area are difficult and at the moment it is not easy to have updated information", the Bishop concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/09/2016)


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