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Elita Chikwati Herald Reporter
The Meteorological Services of Zimbabwe has assured people that they are safe from the earthquake that yesterday hit South Africa, killing a 31-year-old man in an old mining village in Orkney.The earthquake shook buildings in Johannesburg and surrounding areas.

According to the US Geological Survey, the magnitude 5,3 quake was centred six kilometres east of Orkney, 170km south-west of Johannesburg in the North West.

MSD Seismologist, Mr Kwangwari Marimira, said there were no reports of injuries or damages of people or property in Zimbabwe.

“We did not receive any report of damage or any people that felt the earthquake in Zimbabwe,” he said.

“The country is safe from this earthquake and even the highly possible aftershocks it would generate.”

Mr Marimira said Zimbabwe had been monitoring earthquakes since 1959 when the first seismic station was installed in Bulawayo.

“From the continuous monitoring, Zimbabwe has experienced moderate earthquakes, especially in the eastern parts, Kariba and of late the Nyamandhlovu area,” he said.

“The largest earthquake to be recorded in Zimbabwe occurred at Kariba Dam in 1963 and had a magnitude of 6,3 to 6,4. The latest events felt in Zimbabwe is the July 10 2013 which occurred near our border with Botswana at 8pm and the magnitude was 4,2.

“The event was felt by people in Siganacha area under Chief Malaba.  This year on May 6, an earthquake of magnitude 4,0 was felt and recorded in Kariba. No reports of damage were reported for both events.”

Mr Marimira said during the 2006 Mozambique earthquake, some buildings in Chipinge shook.

“So, there is need to construct strong buildings adhering to set building regulations, especially for areas prone to ground-shaking, such as Kariba, Chipinge, Nyamandhlovu, Victoria Falls and Hwange,” he said.

“People should check their homes for earthquake hazards. Bolt down or provide other strong support for items that can easily fall.”

Mr Marimira said in the event of an earthquake, members of the family should be taught how to turn off electricity, gas or water at the main switches, valves and taps.

“Families should receive instruction in basic first aid and be aware of emergency telephone numbers such as hospital and police,” he said.

“If indoors, watch for falling plaster, bricks, light fixtures, high bookcases, and other furniture which might slide or topple. Stay away from windows, mirrors, and chimneys. If in danger, get under a table, desk, or bed; in a corner away from windows; or in a strong doorway.

“If in a high-rise office building, get under a desk. Do not dash for exits since stairways may be broken and jammed with people. Power for elevators may fail. If outside, avoid high buildings, walls, and power poles. Move to an open area away from all hazards.”

The US Geological Society revealed that tremors from the South African earthquake were felt in Botswana and Swaziland and as far afield as Mozambique.