South Africa’s Council for Geoscience Confirms Earthquake and Aftershock
On December 22, South Africa’s Council for Geoscience confirmed a 5.3 magnitude earthquake and a 2.9 magnitude aftershock in the Northern Cape. Tremors were felt in various locations including Mossel Bay and Cape Town. The CGS encourages public engagement through an online questionnaire to report personal experiences with the seismic events.
On the morning of December 22, South Africa’s Council for Geoscience (CGS) confirmed the occurrence of an earthquake and a subsequent aftershock. The earthquake took place at approximately 02:51, achieving an estimated local magnitude of 5.3. This was followed by an aftershock recorded around 05:28, with a magnitude of 2.9. Both seismic events were centered within 20 kilometers southwest of Buchufontein in the Northern Cape, as detected by the South African Seismograph Network (SANSN).
Reports indicate that tremors from these seismic activities were felt across various parts of South Africa, prompting the CGS to invite the public to share their experiences via an online questionnaire available on its website. Areas where residents reported sensations of the earthquake include notable towns such as Mossel Bay, George, and even extending to regions as distant as Cape Town and Vredendal. The CGS continues to analyze data related to these events and their aftershocks, emphasizing its role as the custodian of the SANSN, which diligently monitors seismic activity in the country.
Seismic activity in South Africa is monitored by the Council for Geoscience through the South African Seismograph Network. The CGS is responsible for handling data related to earth tremors and provides insights to the public regarding such events. Earthquakes in this region, although infrequent, can occasionally be felt across wide areas, leading to the importance of public awareness and reporting systems. Analyzing the impact of seismic events is crucial for advancing safety protocols and public education.
The recent earthquake and aftershock confirmed by the Council for Geoscience highlight the seismic activity present in South Africa, specifically in the Northern Cape region. The public’s response indicates a widespread feeling of tremors across numerous locations, underscoring the importance of monitoring such events. The CGS’s invitation for citizens to document their experiences will aid in understanding the impact of these occurrences.
Original Source: www.mosselbayadvertiser.com
