A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck near Ushirombo in Tanzania’s Geita region on Thursday, November 5, sending tremors across parts of East Africa, including Kenya, while unverified reports of shaking also emerged from Kigali, Rwanda.
The earthquake occurred at approximately 12:22 PM East African Time (EAT), with its epicentre reported about 17 kilometres east of Ushirombo, according to preliminary seismic information from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
Reports indicated that tremors were felt in Nairobi, Murang’a, Kiambu and Kajiado counties in Kenya. The earthquake was also reported near Ushirombo and other areas in Tanzania’s Geita region.
Separately, early reports of possible ground shaking emerged from Kigali at approximately 11:24 AM Rwanda time. However, the reports were unverified, and no confirmed magnitude, depth or epicentre had been established for a separate earthquake in Rwanda.
Preliminary information from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) initially placed the earthquake at magnitude 5.2 and a depth of approximately 10 kilometres. Other early reports gave different estimates, including magnitude 5.1.
Seismic measurements can be revised as monitoring agencies analyse additional data. The differences in preliminary readings mean the final magnitude and depth should be treated with caution.
The earthquake’s shallow depth may have caused stronger shaking near its epicentre than a deeper earthquake of similar magnitude.
No confirmed reports of major damage or casualties were available at the time of publication.
