A 3.6‑magnitude earthquake rattled the Stilfontein area in South Africa’s North West province on Sunday evening, with tremors felt as far as 53 kilometres from the epicentre, according to preliminary data from the European‑Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
The quake struck around 7:10 pm local time (1710 GMT) at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres.
While no damage was reported, the EMSC said the tremor was likely felt as light shaking in communities closest to the epicentre.
Residents in Umzimhle, Stilfontein, Orkney and Klerksdorp – all within 16 kilometres – experienced noticeable vibrations.
Weaker shaking was also reported in towns further afield, including Viljoenskroon, Potchefstroom and Bothaville, up to 53 kilometres away.
South Africa experiences frequent low‑magnitude seismic events, particularly in mining regions such as the North West and Gauteng where underground activity can contribute to ground instability.
JN/APA