Earthquakes destroy 140 houses in Tanzania

A series of earthquakes continuing to rock southwestern Tanzania has destroyed at least 140 houses and left scores of people homeless.

No one has been killed in the earthquakes that have occurred over the past several weeks around volcanic Mount Rungwe.

But residents are now sleeping outside their homes, fearing for their safety after walls made of concrete blocks and baked mud bricks have crumbled and crashed down.

Others living in the rural farming region have moved in with relatives and friends living in safe areas.

The magnitude of the earthquakes has not been measured, indicating they have not been strong enough to cause severe damage.

Authorities are now assessing the damage and the need for emergency relief in the area, the regional commissioner Matteo Qaresi says.

Six villages close to the dormant volcanic mountain have borne the brunt of the tremors, Mr Qaresi says.

"The area is within the Rift Valley where seismic activity is common over a wide area, mostly unnoticed by residents," he says.