79 killed as Tanzanian ferry capsizes in Lake Victoria
Dodoma, Sep 21 : At least 79 people have died after a passenger ferry carrying hundreds capsized in Tanzania's Lake Victoria, officials said.
The MV Nyerere ferry overturned on Thursday between two islands of Ukora and Bugolora in Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, which straddles the borders of Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.
Officials say the number who drowned in the mishap could be more than 200. Rescue efforts resumed on Friday after being put on hold overnight, the BBC reported.
It is thought that the overloaded vessel toppled over when crowds on board moved to one side as it docked.
The local media reports said that the ferry's official capacity was 100 people and officials confirmed that the vessel was carrying more than 400 passengers when it capsized, the report said.
About 100 people were rescued while 37 were said to be in a critical condition.
"We pray to God to give us hope in such an accident," Regional Commissioner Adam Malima told reporters. Locals joined the emergency teams in rescue efforts after the incident.
Boat disasters are frequent on Tanzania's waters, where ferries often exceed their capacity.
Some 200 people were killed after an overloaded vessel hit strong winds off the island of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean in 2011. The boat had a capacity of 620 passengers but was carrying over 1,000 people.
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Those against Constitution are speaking about changing it, says Karnataka CM
Bengaluru, Nov 26: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said those against the Constitution are speaking of changing it, while he and his party are fighting to safeguard it.
He was speaking on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.
"Those who are against the Constitution, they are telling it (about changing the Constitution). Recently Swamiji of the Pejawar Math in Udupi had also spoken about the need for amending the Constitution. I don't know...we are fighting to ensure that the Constitution should not be changed," Siddaramiah said in response to a question.
Addressing reporters here, he said, "About 106 amendments have been made to the Constitution so far. We are celebrating 75 years (of adopting the constitution). Probably India's is the longest (written) Constitution in the whole world."
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Noting that it has been 75 years since the country adopted its Constitution, the CM said whether it is central or the state government or the local bodies, they have to function in accordance with the Constitution and uphold its principles.
Pointing out that his government has made it compulsory for students to read the preamble of the Constitution at schools and colleges, he said, "Every child should understand the preamble of the Constitution, its principles, and should function according to it. Everyone should be aware of the rights and duties that have been provided under the Constitution. So we observe the constitution day. It is a pious day."
