NAIROBI, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday said his government will send donation of 4,000 iron sheets, 400 blankets and 100 mattresses to Tanzania following the earthquake that affected the region on Saturday.
Kenyatta, who telephoned his Tanzanian counterpart, John Pombe Magufuli on Sunday, said the donation will be airlifted by the Kenya Defence Forces on Tuesday to assist those affected by the disaster in Tanzania.
"I have learnt with deep sorrow and regret the loss of 16 precious lives, injury to hundreds of our Tanzanian brothers and sisters, as well as massive destruction of property and livelihoods following the devastating earthquake in Bukoba District, in North Western Tanzania," Kenyatta said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
Images posted on social media showed significant damage to buildings in Bukoba, a city of more than 70,000 people where most casualties were reported. Tremors were felt as far away as western Kenya.
The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. Such shallow tremors are more powerful and cause more damage.
Kenyatta phoned Magufuli to express solidarity and sympathy to the government and the people of Tanzania following the disaster.
"On behalf of the government and the people of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences and sympathies to Your Excellency, the government and people of Tanzania, and particularly to the grieving families." The Kenyan leader wished those injured quick recovery.
