A SERIES of earthquakes struck the Kariba area early this week leaving residents shaken, but there were no reports of major damage or casualties.
The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) attributed the quakes to reservoir-induced-seismic events triggered by water level fluctuations in the Kariba reservoir.
According to ZRA, the Monday earthquake had a magnitude of 4.9 and was centred approximately 19 kilometres southeast of Kariba Dam.
This region is located within the Kariba reservoir, directly behind Antelope Island in Zimbabwe.
While the earthquakes have caused concern among residents, ZRA said the seismic activity was being closely monitored.
"The earthquakes that have been experienced in Kariba, Siavonga and surrounding areas since the construction of Kariba Dam are relatively small and have not generated large ground accelerations or vibrations as to cause concern regarding the safety of the dam wall, ZRA chief executive Munyaradzi Munodawafa said.
He said ZRA had reported six other earthquake incidents in Kariba and surrounding areas since December 1, 2024, with magnitudes ranging from 4.1 to 4.7.
The epicentres of these earthquakes were located between 19km and 40km southeast of Kariba Town, either within the Kariba reservoir or Charara Safari Area.
- Kariba hit by earthquakes
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Munodawafa said ZRA had inspected the dam and analysed data from various monitoring instruments following the tremors.
The inspections and analysis did not reveal any unusual observations and the dam continued to exhibit normal behaviour consistent with prevailing loading conditions.
As a precautionary measure, ZRA has advised the public to report any unusual observations or concerns to the relevant authorities.
Kariba Dam, located on the Zambezi River, is a critical infrastructural project jointly owned and operated by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The dam provides hydroelectric power, water storage and flood control benefits to the region.
