A moderate earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck the western regions of South Africa during the early hours of Sunday morning, sending tremors across various parts of the country. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the seismic event occurred at 2:51 a.m. local time (00:51 GMT), approximately 101 kilometers west of Brandvlei, a small town situated in the Northern Cape Province.
The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 5.48, highlighting a minor discrepancy with the U.S. Geological Survey’s measurements. Despite this, both institutions agreed on the significance of the event. The earthquake originated at a depth of merely 10 kilometers, which is relatively shallow. This depth is considered significant as it often amplifies the tremors experienced on the surface, revealing the geological tensions at play in the region.
The epicentre was pinpointed at a latitude of 30.45 degrees south and a longitude of 19.44 degrees east. This location aligns with areas known for tectonic activity in the Northern Cape Province, which is relatively sparsely populated.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake took place 120km NNW of Calvinia, South Africa at 00:51 UTC (12 minutes ago). The depth was 10km and was reported by EMSC. #earthquake #earthquakes #Calvinia #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/MsWNxRyOL7
— Earthquake Alerts (@QuakeAlerts) December 22, 2024
Residents in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, reported feeling strong tremors during the earthquake. Individuals living in regions such as the Cape Flats and the Southern Suburbs also experienced noticeable shaking, prompting concern and curiosity about the event.
“The earthquake and shockwaves could be felt all over the Cape Flats and Southern Suburb areas.”
While the tremors were widely felt, as of now, there have been no official reports of casualties or significant property damage. Local authorities and emergency services remain on alert to respond to any developments, though early indications suggest that the region avoided major devastation.
Earthquakes in South Africa are relatively infrequent compared to other regions globally, such as the Pacific Ring of Fire. However, the country is not entirely immune to seismic activity. The shallow depth of this quake underscores its potential to create noticeable surface effects even without reaching higher magnitudes.
