When it Happened
The earthquake occurred around midnight on 22 February with its epicenter in Machaze south of Mozambique. The earthquake recorded 7.5 on the Richter Scale and tremors were felt as far as Zimbabwe, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zambia. The earthquake was caused by movement along the Rift Valley fault which released energy and caused the quake.
Effects
Less damage was caused by the earthquake, but 4 lives were lost. Fifteen injuries were reported in Maputo and 13 in Espungabero. Less damage was inflicted on buildings and infrastructure. People evacuated their homes in panic.
In Zimbabwe, heavy tremors were felt in the Eastern Highlands with small tremors in the interior. Earthquakes are very rare in Southern Africa. When the earthquake occurred people didn’t even know what was taking place