Earthquakes: SA on shaky ground

Southern Africa could be on shaky ground, and the country has seen an increase in earthquakes in recent months. This year alone, several quakes have been reported in the Gauteng province – but what seems to be behind the sudden geological changes in the country?

ALSO READ: Gauteng 5.0 earthquake: Residents share startling stories [WATCH]

According to NASA, quakes are “an intense shaking of Earth’s surface” measured by level of intensity.

Here’s what you should know about South Africa’s geological changes, and what could happen next.

ALSO READ: Another EARTHQUAKE hit Gauteng – Did you feel it?

THE EARTH QUAKES

Southern Africa isn’t famous for its earthquakes, but while the events aren’t common there have been famous events through the country’s history.

In 1969, one of the most devastating quakes hit Tulbagh. Back in 1809, another quake happened in Cape Town.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Earthquake reported NOW in Gauteng

According to Earthquakes.zone, Southern Africa has measured at least 10 different quakes just in 2023.

Several of these events affected the Gauteng province, with a strong quake reported on in October.

Increased seismic events like these have caused serious concern, with South African geological authorities set to investigate the cause further.

EARTHQUAKES IN SA

Earthquakes appear to be on the increase in Southern Africa.

Quakes hit Gauteng in October 2023 according to the South African website. Another series of quakes in the same province was also reported by the South African in June of the same year.

While not uncommon, experts are concerned that these events appear to be on the increase.

ALSO READ: VIDEO: CCTV footage earthquake shakes Benoni

Serious quakes can be caused by the natural shifting of Earth’s plates, but might also be caused by external means (e.g. human interference).

According to the SA Council for Geoscience, these seismic events could be due to irresponsible and illegal mining pending an investigation into the Gauteng quakes.

Destabilisation of what lies under ths surface (including digging and blasting), could have further environmental impact and lead to increased seismic activity.

This could indicate that more can be done to predict future events.

WATCHING FOR WARNINGS

Earthquake warnings could mean that you are forewarned in the event of a seismic event.

Like weather forecasts, warnings could mean that you are prepared (and can warn others) when an event has been reported or might be about to take place.

ALSO READ: JUST IN: Another EARTHQUAKE hit Gauteng – Did you feel it?

Websites like earthquaketrack.com and allquakes provide an updated list of potential events and past ones.

The Council for Geoscience also has a page for seismic events, which can be found here.