Earthquake strikes Namibia

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck north-western Namibia on Wednesday night, with an aftershock recorded on Thursday morning.

The earthquake was recorded at 22:34 on 21 October in the Kamanjab area of the Kunene Region, according to Namibia’s Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.

The ministry confirmed the event on Thursday, saying it had been detected by six stations in the Namibian Seismological Network and two regional stations belonging to South Africa’s Seismological Network.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS), meanwhile, placed the earthquake’s epicentre about 68km north-north-west of Khorixas, at a depth of 10km

Aftershock recorded on Thursday morning

A subsequent tremor was recorded at approximately 08:08 on Thursday, measuring magnitude 3.2, according to a report by the Namibian website.

The initial earthquake’s magnitude of 4.9 is generally classified as light to moderate. The extent of shaking can vary depending on distance from the epicentre, depth and local ground conditions.

The reports cited did not confirm any deaths, injuries or structural damage resulting from the earthquake.

Residents urged to take precautions

Following the tremor and aftershock, the ministry advised residents to take precautions in the event of further seismic activity.

People indoors during an earthquake should move outside to a clear area if it is safe to do so, or seek shelter beneath a sturdy table if they cannot leave safely.

Those outdoors should move away from buildings, trees and power lines. Residents were also advised to stay away from windows and watch for falling objects.