By Fortunate Gunde
KARIBA – A mild earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale jolted Lake Kariba, sending tremors through the resort town and surrounding communities.
According to the Seismology Section of the Meteorological Services Department, the tremor struck at 5:22 a.m. (local time) with an epicentre within Lake Kariba at latitude –16.803 and longitude 28.251.
The Meteorological Office in Kariba confirmed the incident after receiving reports from residents via a community messaging group. Several residents responded, verifying that they felt the ground shake in the early hours.
While the quake was classified as “minor”—consistent with tremors in the 3.0 to 3.9 magnitude range—seismologists said such events rarely result in damage.
“This event is part of a well-known pattern of reservoir-triggered seismicity associated with Lake Kariba,” the Seismology Section noted in its official report.
“Such tremors arise due to the immense weight of water in the reservoir and shifting pressure along fault lines beneath the lake.”
Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes and a key hydroelectric and tourism hub, has experienced several such seismic events since its creation in the late 1950s. The lake, which straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, has long been monitored for reservoir-induced earthquakes.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, noting that no further seismic activity has been detected. Officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage residents to report any unusual ground movement.
No damage to infrastructure or disruption to services has been reported.
