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

"The assessment will enable the government the degree of assistance that it could render," said Majaliwa.

"The government will also cover expenses for burial of the victims and will provide medical expenses for the injured persons," said the Prime Minister.

He said the government will also seek technical intelligence from international meteorological organizations to establish whether such an earthquake will again hit the areas in future.

Wilfred Lwakatare, a Member of Parliament for Bukoba Urban constituency, appealed to people who were not affected by the earthquake to shelter their fellow citizens.

On Saturday, President John Magufuli sent condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for those who were injured to regain their health through speedy recovery.

"I am joining the families of the deceased, friends and relatives and pray for those who died to rest in peace," said President Magufuli in a statement issued by the Presidential Directorate of Communication.

Gabriel Mbogoni, an expert from the Geological Survey of Tanzania, said the earthquake was one of the most intensive ever experienced in the east African country.

The earthquake jolted Tanzania's northwest regions of Kagera and Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria.