Earthquakes in Zimbabwe — December 2024
3 earthquakes were recorded in Zimbabwe during December 2024, an average of 0.1 per day.
3 reached magnitude 4 or above and 0 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 10 km.
The month's largest event in Zimbabwe was a magnitude 4.9 earthquake near Negande, Zimbabwe on 20 December 2024 at 07:11 UTC. A magnitude 4.9 earthquake radiates roughly 338 tons of TNT equivalent in seismic energy.
That is well above the Zimbabwe monthly average of 2 events over the period we cover — an unusually active month.
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 3 in the magnitude 4 range.
Activity peaked on 20 December, when 2 events were recorded.
The month's largest events were M4.9 near Negande, Zimbabwe on 20 December at 10 km; M4.9 near Negande, Zimbabwe on 23 December at 10 km; M4.6 near Negande, Zimbabwe on 20 December at 10 km.
That is 50% above the 2 events Zimbabwe averages per month across the 2 months on record.
This month also holds the strongest earthquake recorded in Zimbabwe in our entire catalogue.
Every earthquake in Zimbabwe, December 2024
3 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9 | Negande, Zimbabwe | 10.0 | Zimbabwe | View details View | |
| 4.9 | Negande, Zimbabwe | 10.0 | Zimbabwe | View details View | |
| 4.6 | Negande, Zimbabwe | 10.0 | Zimbabwe | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit Zimbabwe in December 2024?
3 earthquakes were recorded in Zimbabwe during December 2024, of which 3 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in Zimbabwe in December 2024?
A magnitude 4.9 event near Negande, Zimbabwe on 20 December 2024.
Other months in Zimbabwe
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.