News / Local
Earthquakes shake Kariba area in Zimbabwe
29 Dec 2024 at 08:49hrs | Views
A series of earthquakes struck the Kariba area earlier this week, causing widespread concern among residents but, fortunately, no reports of significant damage or casualties. The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has attributed the seismic activity to reservoir-induced seismic events, caused by fluctuations in water levels at the Kariba Dam reservoir.
The first earthquake, which occurred on Monday, registered a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale and was centered about 19 kilometers southeast of the Kariba Dam. The affected area is located within the Kariba reservoir, near Antelope Island, an area that has been historically prone to seismic activity since the construction of the dam.
ZRA chief executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa reassured the public that while the tremors were felt across Kariba, Siavonga, and surrounding areas, they had not caused significant ground accelerations or vibrations that could pose a threat to the dam's safety.
"The earthquakes that have been experienced in Kariba, Siavonga, and surrounding areas since the construction of Kariba Dam are relatively small and have not generated large ground accelerations or vibrations as to cause concern regarding the safety of the dam wall," Munodawafa stated.
ZRA confirmed that this was not an isolated incident. Since December 1, 2024, the region has experienced six additional earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 4.1 to 4.7. The epicentres of these tremors have been located between 19 and 40 kilometers southeast of Kariba Town, primarily within the Kariba reservoir or the Charara Safari Area.
Following the earthquakes, ZRA conducted thorough inspections of the dam and analyzed data from its monitoring systems. According to Munodawafa, the inspections did not reveal any abnormalities, and the dam's performance remained consistent with the expected operational conditions.
"As part of our standard procedure, we have conducted detailed inspections and reviewed all available data from our monitoring instruments. The dam continues to behave normally, consistent with the prevailing loading conditions," he said.
While there is no immediate cause for alarm, ZRA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual observations or concerns to the relevant authorities. The Kariba Dam, which is jointly owned by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, plays a crucial role in regional hydroelectric power generation, water storage, and flood control.
The authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely, ensuring that any potential risks are addressed promptly to maintain the safety and integrity of the dam.
The first earthquake, which occurred on Monday, registered a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale and was centered about 19 kilometers southeast of the Kariba Dam. The affected area is located within the Kariba reservoir, near Antelope Island, an area that has been historically prone to seismic activity since the construction of the dam.
ZRA chief executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa reassured the public that while the tremors were felt across Kariba, Siavonga, and surrounding areas, they had not caused significant ground accelerations or vibrations that could pose a threat to the dam's safety.
"The earthquakes that have been experienced in Kariba, Siavonga, and surrounding areas since the construction of Kariba Dam are relatively small and have not generated large ground accelerations or vibrations as to cause concern regarding the safety of the dam wall," Munodawafa stated.
Following the earthquakes, ZRA conducted thorough inspections of the dam and analyzed data from its monitoring systems. According to Munodawafa, the inspections did not reveal any abnormalities, and the dam's performance remained consistent with the expected operational conditions.
"As part of our standard procedure, we have conducted detailed inspections and reviewed all available data from our monitoring instruments. The dam continues to behave normally, consistent with the prevailing loading conditions," he said.
While there is no immediate cause for alarm, ZRA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual observations or concerns to the relevant authorities. The Kariba Dam, which is jointly owned by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, plays a crucial role in regional hydroelectric power generation, water storage, and flood control.
The authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely, ensuring that any potential risks are addressed promptly to maintain the safety and integrity of the dam.
Source - newsday
