The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) has confirmed that the Kariba Dam, located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, remains structurally sound despite experiencing a series of earthquakes since 1 December 2024.
In a press release dated 26 December, the ZRA reported that seven earthquakes have occurred in the region, including a 4.9-magnitude tremor recorded on 23 December at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentres of these quakes were situated between 19 and 40 kilometres from Kariba and its surrounding areas.
The authority attributes these seismic events primarily to reservoir-induced seismicity, a phenomenon associated with the presence of large reservoirs and fluctuations in water levels. Such occurrences are not unique to Kariba and have been documented near other substantial dams worldwide.
Munyaradzi Munodawafa, Chief Executive of the ZRA, emphasised that the focus is on monitoring ground accelerations or vibrations resulting from seismic events, rather than solely on their magnitudes. He assured stakeholders and the public that the seismic activities observed since the dam’s construction have been relatively minor, with no significant ground movements detected that would compromise the dam’s safety.
The ZRA highlighted its rigorous monitoring protocols, which include inspections and data analysis conducted after each seismic event as part of emergency preparedness measures. Assessments following the recent earthquakes revealed no unusual observations, with the dam continuing to exhibit behaviour consistent with current loading conditions.
The Kariba Dam, renowned as the world’s largest man-made reservoir by volume, plays a crucial role in water resource management and energy generation for both Zambia and Zimbabwe. The ZRA’s ongoing commitment to safety and structural integrity ensures the dam’s continued operation and contribution to the region’s infrastructure.
