Earthquakes Hit Kariba, Authorities Assure Dam Safety

A series of earthquakes has struck Kariba and its surrounding areas, with the most recent occurring on December 23, 2024, registering a magnitude of 4.9. According to the Zambezi River Authority, the epicenter of the quake was located approximately 19 kilometers from Kariba Dam, within the Kariba reservoir.

Since December 1, 2024, six other earthquakes have been recorded in the area, with magnitudes ranging from 4.1 to 4.7. These seismic activities have been attributed to reservoir-induced seismicity caused by water level fluctuations in the Kariba reservoir.

Despite the significant ground accelerations and vibrations generated by the quakes, the Zambezi River Authority has assured the public that the safety of Kariba Dam remains uncompromised. The Authority emphasized that their primary focus is on monitoring ground accelerations and vibrations, as these factors are influenced by the distance and depth of the earthquake epicenters rather than the magnitude alone.