Unconfirmed reports of an earthquake or seismic-like event in Pretoria

A possible earthquake might have occurred on Friday afternoon.

Hundreds of residents across the city took to social media on Friday to report a loud, explosive sound and trembling. Reports came in from areas as far as Centurion, Garankuwa in the north of Pretoria, the Moot, and the far east of Pretoria.

According to Volcano Discovery, the possible earthquake happened at around 12.56.

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“Details of the quake (if it is one) are so far unknown until confirmed by a seismic agency, but the event was reported felt.

“We will update the status of the event on this page as soon as more information becomes available.”

Also read: Pretoria residents report afternoon tremor

It furthermore said the first report about the ground shaking reached them after only 7 minutes.

“So far, we have received 99 reports for this unconfirmed quake from South Africa. Out of these, 83 people indicated they felt it. The quake was reported to have been felt up to an approximate 20–50 km (12.4–31 mi) distance.”

The last earthquake reported in Pretoria happened on March 2 this year.

According to Android Earthquake Alert system, the tremor was an estimated 4.7 magnitude tremor.

The system uses data from Android phones that have Google Location Accuracy turned on in areas where shaking from a nearby earthquake is detected.

It is reported that the tremor was felt from as far as Botswana.

Pretoria residents took to social media to confirm feeling the tremor.

There were reports by residents from Olievenhoutbosch, across Centurion, Moreleta Park, Val de Grace, Rietvalleirand, and The Moot.

Meanwhile, in August 2023, 2.7 magnitude quake hits parts of Gauteng.

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