Tremors in Nairobi

For two days, we have felt tremors ripple through our flat in Nairobi. The shaking is enough to cause ripples in the swimming pool and in glasses of water, and cause the furniture to shake side-to-side. The latest of these shocks was around midnight, Monday morning (about 90 minutes ago).

per the US Geologic Survey, Earthquake Center:

1. A magnitude 4.5 earthquake occurred near Arusha, Tanzania at 15:23:27 Local Time on 14 Jul 2007. The epicenter was located 95 miles (153 km) NW of Arusha, Tanzania; 172 miles (277 km) SSW of NAIROBI, Kenya at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). Location: -2.683, 36.172

2. A magnitude 5.4 earthquake occurred near Arusha, Tanzania at 14:24:22 Local Time on 15 Jul 2007. The epicenter was located 87 miles (140 km) NW of Arusha, Tanzania; 184 miles (296 km) SSW of NAIROBI, Kenya at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). Location: -2.788, 36.154

These two quakes occurred roughly in the same place, only a few miles/km apart and at the same depth.

The commissioner of Mines and Geology, Mr Lojomon Biwott, said more information would be released today after a report is received from the Seismological Centre at the University of Nairobi’s Chiromo campus.

However, Mr Biwott said the tremor was weak, noting that such low magnitude vibrations had been recorded in the past.

“They allow for gradual release of energy and stress leading to minimal damage,” said the commissioner of Mines and Geology.

Apart from Nairobi and Nyeri, other parts where the tremor was felt include Kiambu, Murang’a South, and Kirinyaga districts.

In Nairobi, the tremor shook several buildings, including the Nation Centre, which houses the Nation Media Group.

At Nation Centre, the tremor was felt shortly after 2pm.

Prof Isaac Nyambok, a Geology lecturer at the University of the Nairobi, said Kenya was more prone to tremors than earthquakes as the tectonic plates in the region were pulling apart rather than moving over each other.

The shaking of our flat was very unnerving.
Perhaps California is not a place we need to consider relocating to.

Everyone is fine.