A mild earthquake measuring 3.9 on the local magnitude scale jolted the Chimanimani District in the early hours of Wednesday, July 17, 2025. Though the tremor startled residents, authorities confirmed that there were no casualties or structural damage reported.
According to a statement released by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), the seismic event struck at precisely 3:02 AM local time. The epicentre was located within Chimanimani District at coordinates Latitude -20.067 and Longitude 32.655.
“An earthquake of magnitude 3.9 occurred in Chimanimani on the 17th of July, 2025, at 0302hrs local time. The earthquake was felt in Chimanimani District,” read the official MSD bulletin.
Mr. Maringo, the Provincial Meteorological Officer for Manicaland, corroborated the report, stating that several residents from different parts of Chimanimani had contacted his office to report having felt the tremors during the night.
Residents described the tremor as short-lived but clearly perceptible. Many reported being briefly awakened by rattling windows, shaking furniture, or vibrating ground. Though there was no widespread alarm, some admitted to momentary panic, fearing the worst, especially given the region’s traumatic memories of natural disasters such as Cyclone Idai in 2019.
Mild Earthquake Rattles Chimanimani, No Damage Reported
“I was jolted out of sleep by a sudden shaking,” said one Chimanimani resident, Mr. Tapiwa Nyathi. “It only lasted a few seconds, but it was enough to make my cupboards creak and the dogs bark. It brought back some memories of when the cyclone hit. Thankfully, this time there was no damage.”
Another local, Mrs. Mavis Chikore, said, “My children came running into my room, thinking something had exploded outside. It was scary, but nothing seems broken, so we’re just grateful.”
The Meteorological Services Department categorized the earthquake as a moderate event, well within the range of typical regional seismic activity. The department further explained that such tremors are not unusual in the area, which lies within the broader geological zone influenced by the East African Rift System.
“Earthquakes in this region are associated with the East African Rift System, which extends through eastern and southern Africa, including parts of Zimbabwe and Mozambique,” the MSD noted. “The earthquake was of moderate magnitude, and no reports of damage were received.”
The East African Rift System is a major tectonic feature stretching from the Red Sea down to Mozambique. It is an area of active crustal movement, where the African tectonic plate is slowly splitting into two. As this process occurs, it causes occasional tremors in regions like Chimanimani, particularly in the eastern parts of Zimbabwe.
Seismologists say earthquakes measuring below 4.0 on the local magnitude scale are typically classified as minor to moderate and rarely cause significant structural damage. Nevertheless, the MSD continues to monitor seismic activity across the country and maintains an alert system to warn residents in the event of more serious tectonic movement.
Chimanimani, a mountainous district in Manicaland Province bordering Mozambique, has experienced seismic disturbances in the past, though not with destructive consequences. Its location near the boundary of active fault lines makes it a known zone of tectonic instability.
Experts advise that residents remain informed and prepared, even for moderate events. “It’s always wise to know basic earthquake safety, even if we don’t expect large quakes here,” said a local civil protection official. “Things like knowing how to ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ can go a long way in ensuring safety.”
The Civil Protection Unit has also assured residents that it is on standby to assist should any aftershocks or further disturbances occur, although none were reported in the immediate aftermath of the initial quake.
As news of the earthquake spread through social media and local WhatsApp groups, some residents expressed both concern and curiosity. Scientists and weather experts took the opportunity to educate the public on the natural occurrence of tremors in the region, urging calm and encouraging residents to report any future seismic events for proper documentation and study.
In conclusion, while the earthquake left no trail of destruction, it served as a timely reminder of the natural forces at work beneath Zimbabwe’s soil. With no damage or injuries reported, Chimanimani can breathe a sigh of relief—but the tremor has certainly reignited conversations about the region’s seismic profile and the importance of disaster preparedness.
Source- Bulawayo24
