Saturday’s mini quake explained
The tremor felt over the weekend hit offshore Umhlanga.
North Coasters felt a bit shaken after the earth tremor on Saturday morning, which was recorded as a 3,8 magnitude quake.
Rumors spread that it may have been caused by the magnitude 6,4 earthquake which hit Taiwan on Saturday morning.
Council for Geoscience seismologist Michelle Grobbelaar said this is highly unlikely.
“We are very far away from Taiwan, so I highly doubt the tremor felt in KZN was connected to that earthquake,” said Grobbelaar.
She said the tremor hit offshore Umhlanga and although it was recorded as 3,8 magnitude, some of the energy is dispersed in the water and therefore it may have only been about a three on land.
“People in Durban and along the North Coast tend to feel the tremors stronger, because of the beach sand, which amplifies the sensation.
“Earth tremors of this nature are normal along the KZN coastline. The first one I can recall was recorded in 1932 offshore St Lucia.
“It is a natural occurrence and is nothing to be concerned about.”
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