‘Light’ earth tremor reported in Umzinyathi area
A magnitude 4.3 quake struck south of Dundee but many did not even know...
A moderate earthquake measuring magnitude 4.3 struck 22km south of Dundee on Thursday, September 25, at 3.40pm.
The seismic activity went largely unnoticed, according to the Volcano Discovery website, which monitors quake activity worldwide. The tremor was described as shallow and there was no noticeable shaking felt, except at the epicentre, located 15km west of Wasbank.
According to Volcano, the quake was measured at a depth of 10km.
- Mag. 4 or higher:0.26 quakes per year (or 1 quake every 3.8 years)
- Mag. 3 or higher: 0.51 quakes per year (or 1 quake every 2 years)
- Mag. 2 or higher: 2.3 quakes per year
“The area where this quake occurred has very few earthquakes, and most of them are very small (below magnitude 3). Larger quakes with magnitudes above three might occur from time to time. However, it has had at least two quakes above magnitude four since 2018, which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently, probably on average approximately every one to five years.”
Although minor, the quake served as a reminder of the region’s occasional seismic activity. Local authorities have not issued any alerts.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
