Reports of an earth tremor felt in parts of Durban and and other parts of the country and the continent shortly after midday on Tuesday have sent shockwaves through South African social media.
There have been reports that several buildings have been evacuated in the Durban CBD and some shops have been closed for the day.
Those who felt the tremor immediately took to Twitter to express their alarm, shock, and amusement:
I thought the tremor was only in Durban.. Turns out mates all the way in JHB felt it too.. Bracing myself
— CRACKLING… (@Marshpit) August 5, 2014
People in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Cape Town and Durban say they also felt the tremor. Is our continent equipped to deal with disasters? I wonder
— William Lehong (@LeHong) August 5, 2014
We can, we will, we shall! #Durban #tremor pic.twitter.com/sejkohQRuw
— ✗ brandon ✗ Ⓥ (@xdoomx) August 5, 2014
The quake measured 5.3 on the Richter scale and the aftershocks could be felt as far as Durban and Gabarone. Deep. #tremor
— La Loba (@Mellefunk) August 5, 2014
According to earthquake tracking website earthquaketrack.com the largest earthquake in South Africa recorded this year was of a magnitude of 4.9 in the North-West.
Preliminary reports suggest the tremor felt today measured at 5.3 on the Richter scale and may have originated in the North West.
