Earthquakes in South Africa — December 2024
1 earthquakes were recorded in South Africa during December 2024, an average of 0.0 per day.
1 reached magnitude 4 or above and 1 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 10 km.
The month's largest event in South Africa was a magnitude 5.3 earthquake near Hantam, South Africa on 22 December 2024 at 00:51 UTC. A magnitude 5.3 earthquake radiates roughly 1,344 tons of TNT equivalent in seismic energy.
100% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 0% intermediate (70–300 km) and 0% deep-focus (over 300 km). Almost everything here is crustal. That is characteristic of transform faulting or continental deformation rather than subduction — and it means shaking at the surface is strong for the magnitudes involved.
By band, the catalogue holds 1 in the magnitude 5 range.
This month also holds the strongest earthquake recorded in South Africa in our entire catalogue.
Every earthquake in South Africa, December 2024
1 event listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3 | Hantam, South Africa | 10.0 | South Africa | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit South Africa in December 2024?
1 earthquakes were recorded in South Africa during December 2024, of which 1 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in South Africa in December 2024?
A magnitude 5.3 event near Hantam, South Africa on 22 December 2024.
Other months in South Africa
Magnitudes for December 2024 reflect the current USGS review status and may have been revised since first publication. See our guides on the magnitude scale, focal depth and why earthquakes cluster.