South Africa’s Johannesburg reports earthquake of 5.0-magnitude

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck near Johannesburg, rocking buildings across South Africa’s most populous province. 

According to the USGS, the tremor occurred around 2:38 a.m. (0038 GMT), approximately 10 kilometres (six miles) below the surface. Buildings trembled throughout the Gauteng province, where Johannesburg is located.

Residents from throughout the province took to social media to share photos of minor structural damage to walls.

The emergency services department stated that there were no casualties or injuries but that disaster management teams will stay on standby. 

Xolile Khumalo, a spokesman for Johannesburg’s emergency services, cautioned locals to “be on the lookout in case after tremors occur, (as) these tend to be more dangerous than the initial earthquake.”

According to authorities, the “relatively long tremor” epicentre was in Boksburg, a tiny town about 20 km east of Johannesburg. 

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck a gold mining community near Johannesburg in August 2014.

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