5.3 magnitude earthquake hits South Africa

YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. An earthquake shook buildings in Johannesburg and surrounding areas in South Africa's most populous province on August 5.The magnitude-5.3 quake, which lasted about a minute, was centered in Orkney, 170 kilometers (105 miles) southwest of Johannesburg, as reports “Armenpress”, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The quake was also felt in Pretoria, the South African capital, and Hartbeespoort, a nearby resort town.

The area has periodic, moderate tremors, though the quake on Tuesday was one of the strongest in recent years. There are no immediate reports of casualties following the tremor.