A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck in the sea southeast of the South African coast around 19:10 on Saturday night.
The quake was only felt about an hour and a half later in towns and cities along the coastline, but especially in the Western Cape.
Also read: Naskokke tref Kaap!
The location of the quake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
An emergency report sent out shortly after the quake measured the quake at 6.2. The U.S. Geological Survey, the body that monitors such earthquakes, later adjusted its strength to 6.1.
It is nevertheless a strong earthquake that occurred about 1,600 km southeast of the country at a depth of 10 km in the sea.
A tsunami alert was not issued. The shape of the South African coastline, which is more linear in format, is not entirely receptive to a tsunami. In addition, an earthquake on the seabed must be significantly strong – at least 7.0 – to be able to move such a large body of water.
However, there may be swellings and swells and sea levels are also expected to rise.
Here it can be seen that the shaking took place on a fault line. The red lines indicate the fault lines.
Second quake
It has now been confirmed that a second quake has hit the Cape. The Council for Geosciences has observed and recorded a seismic activity, but it is not certain whether it is unrelated or whether it is an aftershock.
A satellite image shows where the council for geosciences recorded the second quake.
What can you expect?
- Post-shocks: Post-shocks can occur and are expected. It can occur in the next few hours to even days. Buildings with poor structures can therefore be further damaged and people are warned not to return to these buildings.
- Infrastructure: Damage and disruption to infrastructure can be expected. There is still no news that this is the case
- Emergency service: Listen to all the advice and emergency reports from emergency services.
What does the people say who felt it?
Big noise. Sounded like an explosion. My dog has not stopped moaning yet. (Cape Town)
This person felt it for 5 seconds:
The shaking and noise lasted for about 5 seconds! House shook, the roof cracked and we could feel it under our feet. (Cape Town)
