Reporter – Isaac Cloete
Springbok and surrounding communities in the Nama Khoi area were left rattled once again on Tuesday evening, when a light earthquake struck at approximately 17:27 pm
According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the tremor measured 3.7 on the Richter scale, with its epicentre located about 18 kilometres east of Springbok. Because the quake occurred at a shallow depth, residents reported feeling the shaking more intensely than usual, despite the relatively low magnitude.
For many, the shock was terrifying.
“I’m from Okiep, near Springbok, and I definitely felt it,” said Colleen Cloete, still visibly shaken. “It was bad, I got the fright of my life.”
Another resident from the Doornpoort neighbourhood in Springbok described the moment:
“It felt like my whole house was about to collapse. The earth was trembling beneath my feet in a very unsettling way.”
The tremor was widely felt not only in Springbok but also across smaller towns in the Nama Khoi and Kamiesberg municipalities, with several residents reporting windows rattling and roofs vibrating.
This is not the first time the region has experienced such seismic activity. In 2021, the Springbok area recorded 17 tremors ranging between 2.0 and 4.2 on the Richter scale. More recently, on 3 December 2024, a quake measuring 4.2 was reported, one that many residents still recall vividly.
Gezina van Reenen from Komaggas explained:
“That one in December was much stronger than Tuesday night’s. It’s something we don’t easily forget.”
Residents of Komaggas say tremors have become an almost daily occurrence. “Sometimes the tremors are so strong we can feel them under our feet. The roof and windows shake, and still we don’t know exactly what’s causing it,” said local resident Joline George.
The increase in seismic activity over recent years has left many Namaqualanders uneasy and questioning whether the region is facing a growing geological threat. While seismologists continue to monitor the situation, the ongoing tremors remain a source of anxiety for communities already on edge.
Google Picture – Namaqualand Flowers
