THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has confirmed
that a moderate earthquake measuring 3,9 in magnitude was experienced in
Kariba, Mashonaland West, on Saturday and no injuries were recorded.
Responding to questions from The Chronicle yesterday, a
seismologist at the Bulawayo MSD, Mr Kwangwari Marimira, said most of the earth
tremors which occur in the mid-Zambezi basin under which Lake Kariba falls, are
called reservoir-induced earthquakes.
“An earthquake of magnitude 3,9 was experienced in Kariba
on the 1st of June 2019 at 10:28 UTC and the local time was 12:28PM. The
reports that we obtained from our personnel at Kariba Meteorological Office
indicate that there were no casualties or injuries that were recorded. This was
a moderate earthquake,” he said.
The earth tremor was felt in Kariba and surrounding areas.
“The epicentre of the earthquake was determined to be
about: Longitude 16,770S and latitude 28,633E. The personnel at our Kariba
Meteorological Office confirmed the shaking in Kariba as well as surrounding
areas,” he said.
Mr Marimira said a number of people in Kariba felt the
shaking and rumbling that occurred. He said this was not the first time for
Kariba to register earth tremors.
“The impoundment of Kariba Dam also contributes to
seismicity in the area. The largest earthquake to be recorded in Zimbabwe
occurred at Kariba Dam in 1963 and had a magnitude of 6,3.
“It occurred after the impoundment of the dam and most
earthquakes that occur in this area are attributed to the dam (reservoir).
There have been several other earthquakes that were recorded and some of them
were felt in and around the area of Kariba,” said Mr Marimira.
He said during an earthquake people should move as little
as possible to avoid injuries.
“If indoors, watch for falling plaster, bricks, light
fixtures, high bookcases, and other furniture. Stay away from windows, mirrors
and chimneys. If in danger, get under a table, desk, or bed; in a corner away
from windows; or in a strong doorway. And if in a high-rise office building,
get under a desk and do not dash for exits,” he said.
After the earthquake, victims are required to apply first
aid or seek medical help for injured people as well as avoiding fallen power
lines or objects that would have come in contact with fallen wires. Chronicle
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