A series of earthquakes struck the Kariba region earlier this week, sparking concerns among residents. Fortunately, no significant damage or casualties have been reported.
According to the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), the seismic activity is linked to reservoir-induced tremors caused by fluctuating water levels at the Kariba Dam reservoir.
The initial earthquake, recorded on Monday, registered a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale and was centered approximately 19 kilometers southeast of the Kariba Dam, near Antelope Island.
This area has a history of seismic activity dating back to the dam’s construction.
Munyaradzi Munodawafa, ZRA’s Chief Executive, reassured the public, emphasizing that the tremors, while widely felt across Kariba, Siavonga, and surrounding regions, did not pose any threat to the structural integrity of the dam.
“The earthquakes experienced in Kariba, Siavonga, and nearby areas have not produced ground accelerations or vibrations strong enough to compromise the safety of the dam wall,” Munodawafa stated.
ZRA revealed that the recent activity is part of an ongoing seismic pattern. Since December 1, 2024, the region has recorded six additional earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 4.1 to 4.7.
The epicentres were located between 19 and 40 kilometers southeast of Kariba Town, mostly within the reservoir and Charara Safari Area.
Following the quakes, ZRA conducted comprehensive inspections and reviewed data from monitoring systems. Munodawafa confirmed that the dam is performing as expected and shows no abnormalities.
“As part of our routine safety measures, we’ve thoroughly analyzed monitoring data and inspected the dam. Everything remains stable and consistent with standard operating conditions,” he said.
While there is no immediate cause for alarm, ZRA advises residents to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity to the relevant authorities. The Kariba Dam, a vital resource jointly managed by Zambia and Zimbabwe, remains central to regional hydroelectric power generation, water management, and flood control efforts.
