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This year has been a wild ride, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Last weekend, Capetonians were shaken by an earthquake off the coast of South Africa, and it seems it is now Gauteng’s turn. Preliminary reports claim a 2.8-magnitude tremor hit the West Rand on Thursday [October 1].

The South African Council for Geoscience (CGS) has registered the tremor, which occured at about 12.47pm. The earthquake registered a preliminary 2.8 on the local magnitude scale, and the epicentre was around 5km South East of Randfontein, in the West Rand of Johannesburg.

This is the third seismic event to rock the country in a matter of days. Some Capetonians were shaken by a 6.2-magnitude earthquake from off the coast of South Africa on Saturday evening [September 26]. It is alleged to have originated some 1600km south west of South Africa, at a depth of ten kilometres. There were no casualties, and no damage has been reported. The National Centre for Seismology confirmed the earthquake.

Another tremor was felt on Saturday evening as well [September 26] by residents in Milnerton, Table View, Sunningdale, Melkbosstrand and some along the Atlantic Seaboard. The Council for Geoscience confirmed that an earthquake occurred at 8.41pm.

“The earthquake registered a preliminary 2.5 on the local magnitude scale as recorded by the South African Seismographic Network. Many reports have been received from residents of Cape Town who have reportedly experienced a tremor during this time,” said the Council in a statement.

“It does not seem to be related to the earthquake at 7.10pm off the coast of South Africa. Furthermore, there has been no tsunami warning issued by the Indian Ocean Warning System and it is on this basis that the CGS would like to assure the public that there is no eminent threat to the affected area, such no cause for panic.” 

More tremors were felt in Cape Town on Sunday morning, which is expected after an earthquake.

Picture: Pixabay

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