A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 was felt in the Southern Province town of Siavonga in the early hours of yesterday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) have reported.
According to the USGS’ report, the earthquake which occured at around 4:41 hours (Zambian time) on Sunday was recorded at a depth of 10.0km in Siavonga as well as some parts of the neighbouring Zimbabwe.
The earthquake caused light shaking with residents reporting to have experienced mild tremors although no damage or injuries have been reported so far.
USGS seismologists’ report indicates that the estimated energy released by the quake may have been equivalent to about 60 tons of TNT.
Siavonga and surrounding areas of the Southern Province region remain vulnerable to seismic waves due to its location near the East African Rift system.
The USGS have since advised local both Zambia and Zimbabwe to continue monitoring the region for possible aftershocks and advise residents to stay informed about potential risks.
Last year in August, Zambia experienced a magnitude 5.7 earthquake in the southern part of Lake Tanganyika around the borders with the neighbouring Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo with no damages or loss of life were recorded as well.
