A 3.1 magnitude tremor struck near Randfontein, Gauteng, on Tuesday, 17 December 2024, at 20:39.
What we know about the 3.1 magnitude tremor recorded in Randfontein
According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the seismic event occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres and was felt as very weak shaking in surrounding areas.
The tremor’s epicentre was located just three kilometres from Randfontein, a town on the West Rand with over 133,000 residents.
Reports suggest that nearby areas such as Krugersdorp and Westonaria, both 15 kilometres away, may have also experienced the tremor, along with parts of Roodepoort and Soweto, 21 kilometres from the epicentre.
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Larger urban centres, including Carletonville, Randburg, and Johannesburg, located 34 to 38 kilometres away, likely did not feel the impact.
Seismic events of this scale are classified as minor and typically result in weak shaking with no structural damage.
A magnitude of 3.1 falls well below the threshold to be considered a noticeable earthquake, which generally begins at a magnitude of 4.0 or higher.
Tremors below this range are common worldwide and are often imperceptible to individuals, particularly those further from the epicentre or indoors.
The distinction between a tremor and an earthquake lies in both magnitude and impact.
A tremor, such as the one recorded in Randfontein, causes minimal disruption and is considered part of the Earth’s routine seismic activity.
Earthquakes, on the other hand, are measured at a magnitude of 4.0 or greater and can result in shaking significant enough to be felt or to cause damage.
Although no damages or injuries were reported following the tremor, seismologists continue to monitor the data for accuracy.
Updates may refine the magnitude, epicentre, or depth as further reviews are completed.
While South Africa is not traditionally a high-seismic region, smaller tremors, particularly near mining areas, are not unusual.
