VIDEO: Will more tremors hit Randfontein?
Did you feel the tremor last night? What to do during and after an earthquake.
Last night a second tremor was felt, within the space of two days but where did it come from, where else was it felt and will it happen more often?
The first earthquake’s epicentre was said to be within 8kms of the North West town, Stilfontein, which is approximately 41kms away from Potchefstroom. The United Geological Survey (USGC) recorded the quake as a steady 5.2 on the Richter scale.
Also read: North-West earth tremor felt all over
According to social media, tremors were felt in Orkney, Klerksdorp, the West Rand, as well as parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The second tremor, which was felt early last night is said to have originated in Botswana near Gope, approximately 300kms from Gabarone.
That quake was measured at 6.7 on the Richter scale and the estimated energy released from it was 707,9 terajoules which is the equivalent of 0,168 megatons of explosives.
The tremors resulting from this quake were felt as far away as Richards Bay. Parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga were also affected by the aftershock.
Closer to home, Randfontein was shaken up, as well as Roodekrans in Roodepoort, Sophiatown and Melville. Radiokop also felt a vibration – like a jelly wobbling.
The Herald spoke to a number of Zimbabwean citizens living in Mutare and Harare who said the tremors were also felt in their respective cities.
It is unclear whether more earthquakes will hit in and around South Africa, as they are a rare occurrence for the country. However, it is important to know what to do when a serious one strikes.
ER24 has shared its safety measures for staying safe, even while the ground is shaking:
• Stay calm
• Stay where you are
• Use large, sturdy objects to crawl under
• If you are in a building, try to stand with your back against the wall near the centre of the bulding
• Stay away from windows and outside doors
• If you are outside when it hits, ensure you are clear from overhead objects that might fall on you
• Do not stand near a building
• Use stairs to evacuate a premises (only when it is safe to do so)
What to do after an earthquake:
• Establish whether you or anyone around you has sustained injuries
• If you can provide first aid, do so
• Call an ambulance
• If the building you are in is structurally damaged, evacuate calmly and quickly
• Listen to your local radio station for news and updates
• Do not enter damaged buildings or areas
• Stay away from beaches until the area has been declared safe
Youtube video link:
Did you feel last night’s tremor and was any of your property damaged as a result?
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