WELKOM — A minor earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale was recorded on Friday 7 August and was felt in Welkom, the South African National Seismograph Network (SANSN) confirmed. The epicentre was located southwest of Odendaalsrus, authorities said.
Immediate impact and official advice
No injuries or damage to property were reported following the tremor, the Council for Geoscience (CGS) noted. Mahlatse Mononela, communications manager at the CGS, encouraged members of the public to report their experiences using the online questionnaires available on the organisation’s website.
Members of the public are encouraged to record their experiences using the online questionnaires available on the organisation’s website,
Such eyewitness reports help seismologists refine the felt area and improve understanding of small seismic events in the Goldfields region, where mining and natural tectonic processes both contribute to tremor activity.
Welkom’s seismic history in context
The Goldfields has a documented history of seismic events reaching magnitudes that caused structural damage and, in a few cases, fatalities. The CGS and historical reporting show a pattern of tremors across several decades. Key recorded events include:
- 8 December 1976 — a 5.2 quake that caused the collapse of the Tempest Court block of flats in Welkom; there were no reported injuries or deaths following that collapse.
- January 1989 — a 4.5 quake at the President Brand Gold Mine in Welkom that resulted in two deaths and four injuries and produced major structural damage in the wider area.
- 27 July 1994 — a 4.3 quake that caused extensive damage across the central business district and stopped the clock in Welkom’s Clock Tower.
- 1994–1995 — a series of events with magnitudes ranging from roughly 2.0 to 4.5, including nine quakes between October and December 1994 and nine between April and December 1995.
- December 1996 and July 1997 — multiple tremors measuring up to the low 4.0s.
- 23 April 1999 — a 4.8 quake that caused extensive building damage across Welkom; the event was notable for its wide felt area.
- 2009 — the Council for Geoscience reported at least 161 tremors recorded that year in the region, with magnitudes spanning from 0.6 to 3.8.
| Date | Magnitude | Noted impact |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Dec 1976 | 5.2 | Tempest Court collapsed; no fatalities |
| Jan 1989 | 4.5 | 2 deaths, 4 injured at President Brand Gold Mine |
| 27 Jul 1994 | 4.3 | Extensive CBD damage; Clock Tower stopped |
| 23 Apr 1999 | 4.8 | Widespread building damage |
| 2009 (various) | 0.6–3.8 | 161 tremors recorded in the year |
These events underline that seismic activity in the Goldfields can range from small, commonly felt tremors to larger events that produce significant damage. While the 3.3 tremor on 7 August was classified as minor, the historical record shows the importance of ongoing monitoring and community reporting.
What residents should know and do
Authorities recommend practical steps for residents in a seismically active area:
- Report where and how you felt the tremor using the CGS online questionnaires to help scientists map intensity.
- Check buildings for cracks or structural concerns, especially older or previously damaged structures; report any obvious damage to local municipal authorities.
- Be aware of basic safety actions during a quake: drop, cover and hold on until shaking stops.
For now, emergency services and the CGS have not reported any follow‑up incidents related to the 7 August tremor. Residents with immediate concerns about structural safety should contact municipal services or their building inspector. Ongoing monitoring by SANSN and the CGS will determine whether further activity follows.
This report is based on confirmation from the South African National Seismograph Network and background records and commentary from the Council for Geoscience.
