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Affected population

The earthquake with magnitude 5.0 occurred on 2023-06-11 00:38 UTC near Alberton, South Africa. Erdbebennews calculates a maximum intensity of 6.6 for this earthquake. In populated areas, the earthquake reached a maximum intensity of 6.6. Up to 16.1 mio people (in the map area) have felt this earthquake. Among them, 16.1 mio people live in regions with light or moderate shaking, where no significant damage is expected. 1000 people live in areas where potential damage to buildings can occur, including 0 in areas with possible severe damage and destruction.

Intensity 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
affected people 14.1 mio 1.5 mio 373k 44k 1k 0 0 0 0
Intensity effects affected people
2 – 5.5 Felt shaking 16.1 mio
5.5 – 6.5 Minor damage 1000
6.5 – 8 Moderate damage 0
8 – 10 Severe damage 0

Earthquake summary

A strong earthquake occurred near Johannesburg in South Africa on Sunday night. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake reached a magnitude of 5.0 and the epicentre of the earthquake was in the southern suburbs of Johannesburg. It has an intensity of V to IV and was therefore clearly felt throughout the region. The earthquake caused damage to several buildings. However, no injuries have been reported so far.
Social media users posted images of pieces of plaster falling and cracks formed in walls and ceilings of houses. Significant damage is reported to have occurred, particularly in the city of Boksburg on the eastern side of the Johannesburg metropolitan area.

Due to anthropogenic activity, Johannesburg and its surrounding municipalities are among South Africa’s seismically active regions. The most notable aspect of this area is its extensive deep precious metal mining. As a result, the geology is influenced by the numerous underground adits. Repeatedly minor but usually noticeable earthquakes are caused by active mining. Earthquakes are also likely in the abandoned mines, due to the rise in groundwater. In August 2014, a strong-induced earthquake struck close to the city of Orkney. It had a magnitude of 5.4, destroyed several buildings, and claimed one life.

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Affected places

City Country Intensity (EMS-98) Population Distance epicenter (km) Description
Alberton ZA 6.1 121500 8.2 minor damage
Germiston ZA 5.7 0 12.2 moderate, very minor damage
Boksburg ZA 5.6 445200 18.5 moderate, very minor damage
Johannesburg ZA 5.4 2026500 18.0 moderate, very minor damage
Benoni ZA 5.3 605300 24.7 moderate, very minor damage
Riverlea ZA 5.3 0 21.9 moderate, very minor damage
Brakpan ZA 5.2 305700 25.6 moderate, very minor damage
Springs ZA 5.2 186400 27.8 moderate, very minor damage
Soweto ZA 4.9 1695000 29.2 slight
Roodepoort ZA 4.8 326400 33.2 slight

Current earthquake activity near Alberton:

Due to the lack of data, no comparison with previous years is possible

Summary of earthquake data:

FAQ: What are earthquakes? Which earthquakes are dangerous? How can you protect your famility and property? What are faults and plates? Important terms explained.

General information about this earthquake:

Time: 2023-06-11 00:38 UTC

Magnitude: 5.0

Depth: 10 km

Felt: yes

Damage expected: --

Fatalities expected: --

Origin: tectonic

Tsunami: --

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Earthquake data: USGS

Statistic:

Since 1960 334 earthquakes larger than Magnitude 4.0 were detected in this region. The average number of earthquakes in this part of South Africa (near Alberton) is 5.58 quakes larger than 4.0 per year. Therefore, the seismicity is usually moderate and quakes of magnitude 5.0 have a recurrence period of approx. 1.8 years (22 months).

*Data: USGS-Catalog (since 1960)

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