A sudden jolt was felt in Johannesburg as a 3.2 magnitude earthquake struck 8km northeast of Westonaria, sending a clear message that even the smallest shakes can’t be ignored.
3.2 magnitude earthquake rumbles past Johannesburg and North West
Recorded at a shallow depth of 5km, the mini-quake, though light, was widely felt in the area, marking an unusual seismic activity for a region unaccustomed to frequent earthquakes.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) also reported a close neighbour, a magnitude 3.5 quake near Rustenburg, intensifying the seismic event of the day.
While the immediate response to a 3.2 magnitude earthquake might be mild curiosity or brief concern, it’s crucial to understand the potential dangers these mini-quakes carry.
Earthquakes, regardless of size, bear a spectrum of hazards from structural to personal safety risks. Although damage from earthquakes typically does not occur until reaching magnitudes above 4 or 5, the unpredictability of seismic events and their secondary effects, such as fires from gas leaks or electrical shorts, cannot be underestimated.
The primary dangers include being struck by falling objects, the potential for fires, and exposure to chemicals.
What is the difference between an earthquake and a tremor?
Distinguishing between an earthquake and a tremor lies in understanding their characteristics.
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, creating seismic waves that result in the ground shaking. This phenomenon can lead to significant ground displacement, landslides, and even tsunamis, depending on the quake’s magnitude and proximity to water bodies.
On the other hand, tremors are typically smaller seismic events that can be caused by a variety of factors, including volcanic activity or minor fault slippage, and are often precursors or aftershocks of larger earthquakes.