Kariba Dam Remains Safe Amid Series of Earthquakes, Assures Zambezi River Authority

The Zambezi River Authority has confirmed that Kariba Dam remains structurally sound despite recent earthquakes, including a notable 4.9-magnitude tremor. The ZRA emphasizes that such seismic events are typical for large reservoirs and asserts that extensive monitoring ensures the dam’s safety.

Kariba Dam, located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, has been confirmed to be structurally sound following a series of earthquakes that began on December 1, as reported by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA). In a statement released on December 27, ZRA indicated that seven earthquakes struck the region, including a significant 4.9-magnitude tremor recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenters of these seismic events were identified within 19 to 40 kilometers of the dam, but the ZRA reassured that the infrastructure remains safe.

The Kariba Dam is a crucial engineering marvel, serving as the largest man-made reservoir in the world by volume. It plays a vital role in managing water resources and providing energy for Zambia and Zimbabwe. Recently, the region experienced a series of earthquakes attributed to reservoir-induced seismic activity, a phenomenon observed in other large dam projects globally. These occurrences have prompted the ZRA to implement rigorous monitoring protocols to assess the dam’s safety.

In summary, despite the recent earthquakes in the vicinity of Kariba Dam, the Zambezi River Authority has asserted that the dam is structurally sound and poses no immediate safety concerns. Continuous monitoring and inspections have confirmed that the dam’s response to seismic activity remains within acceptable limits. The ZRA’s commitment to safety and emergency preparedness underscores the importance of maintaining this critical infrastructure for the benefit of both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Original Source: english.news.cn