TWO moderate earthquakes that struck Kariba on Thursday last week sent shockwaves through the community leaving most residents rattled by the incident.
The resort town of Kariba has experienced a number of earthquakes in recent years.
In the latest incidents, the first earthquake, measuring 3,9 on the Richter scale, occurred at around 3am, while the second, measuring 3,7 struck around 09:36am.
Both earthquakes were felt strongly in Kariba town, particularly in areas near the dam wall.
Residents who spoke to NewsDay described the experience as frightening and intense.
“I was in my house when the first earthquake struck,” Tracy Martin, a resident, said. “The ground was shaking, and I heard a loud rumbling noise. It was very scary.”
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Another resident also described the incident.
“We felt the earthquake and buildings were shaking while most people were awokened by the incident,” he said.
According to the Meteorological Services Department the majority of earthquakes in the region are induced by the dam and moderate to large earthquakes are recorded from time-to-time.
“The department noted that the earthquakes were of moderate magnitude and no reports of damage were received. However, more inquiries would be made to determine their intensity in the locality,” the Met Department said.
Kariba has a long history of seismic activity, primarily related to the Kariba Dam, which was completed in the late 1950s.
The dam, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, has been both a blessing and a challenge for the region and while it provides hydroelectric power and supports local fisheries, the immense weight of the water can significantly impact the geological stability of the area.
Following the dam's construction, residents have experienced several earthquakes, ranging from minor tremors to more significant events.
In 1963, a notable earthquake measuring 6,0 caused considerable alarm, though it resulted in minimal damage while more recently, in 2016, a series of tremors rattled the area, reminding locals of the dam's influence on seismic activity.
The Met Department's ongoing monitoring and communication play a crucial role in helping residents feel more secure, even as they brace for the possibility of future tremors.