Unravelling Disaster Responses in Tanzania: A Case of the 2016 Kagera Earthquake in Bukoba Municipality

Globally, earthquake impacts are escalating. One of the key factors that reduces the impacts is an effective response. This article examines earthquake responses in Bukoba Municipality, located along the East African Rift System. The study adopted a qualitative-descriptive research approach involving purposive sampling of key informants and focus group participants. Data were collected through documentary reviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and physical visits. The data were then analysed using content analysis. The study identified seven emergency response functions in Bukoba Municipality. These functions are carried out collaboratively by stakeholders, depending on the severity of the impacts. For minor disasters, responses are managed by municipal stakeholders, while severe disasters prompt national and international intervention, as demonstrated during the 2016 earthquake. The emergency functions are conducted reactively, with memorandums of understanding and resource mobilization occurring only during an event. Response activities also face a shortage of funds, attributed to the lack of an autonomous budget, partly due to the absence of a disaster management department at the municipality. The study also found that reporting was poorly coordinated and relief funds were inadequately managed, resulting in funds being sabotaged. In responding, it was found that community members, despite their limited knowledge and skills, played a vital role; however, they were dissatisfied with the government’s support for victims, particularly regarding how the government allocated relief funds. Additionally, stakeholders failed to adequately comply with legal requirements and fulfill their responsibilities. The study recommends a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive disaster management, including strengthening community earthquake drills, raising awareness, and ensuring transparency, participation, and balancing community needs with government priorities in the distribution of relief funds. Other recommendations include establishing a disaster management department at the municipal level and strengthening the enforcement of disaster management legal requirements.