Earthquake causes a buzz on social networks

LYDENBURG – A minute-long tremor with a 5.3 magnitude struck six kilometres east of Orkney in the North-West on Tuesday.

While social media was buzzing with comments about the incident, several Steelburger/Lydenburg News Twitter and BBM followers who had felt the quake in various areas, shared their experience.

• Eddie Thaba said he was in Pretoria Central when the tremor struck. “I was on the second floor of a building when it occurred. It felt as if a large number of people downstairs were jumping up and down at the same time for a few seconds, except no sound accompanied the vibration. It wasn’t much of a scary experience, just a worrying one. When I went outside, I realised that many people rushed out of the tall buildings. There was, however, just a sense of curiosity rather than worry.”

• Hlabirwa Makofane also felt the tremor and said it was very instant. “I thought it was just my building at first, but I confirmed through Facebook that everyone was talking about it.”

• Grail Talane said the quake could also be felt in Midrand. “Yes we felt it, I am in Johannesburg right now,” Stanley Makola tweeted.

Steelburger/Lydenburg News followers said it happened very quickly. “I am in Braamfontein. I thought I was dreaming. It took almost a minute,” said Comfort Simon.

Tshepiso Kgalane Tsheppy said she was in Bronkhorspruit at the time. “I felt it. Very strong vibrations, I thought it was the mines around here. The tremor lasted for about 40 seconds or so.” Desiree de Swardt was in Valhalla Centurion and said she felt it very strongly.

According to reports one person was killed when a wall collapsed. About 17 mine workers were injured but no fatalities were reported.