Seriously, in Joburg tremors are actually quite common. Generally they aren't that serious and seldom get strong enough to cause problems. In JHB as I understand it, mostly these are related to mining (past and present).
Down in the mines these tremors are quite serious though and we don't have a good record internationally for safety, although I don't think it's anywhere near as bad as conditions in China appear to be.
Colleague of mine, on one of his visits down one of the local mines, experienced a rock burst. Said it was the most terrifying experince ever. A loud explosion like it was right next to him. Of course the sound down there was amplified. They were all evacuated ASAP from the mine, but it seems there is little that can be done to predict where or when it might happen.
Down in the mines these tremors are quite serious though and we don't have a good record internationally for safety, although I don't think it's anywhere near as bad as conditions in China appear to be.
Colleague of mine, on one of his visits down one of the local mines, experienced a rock burst. Said it was the most terrifying experince ever. A loud explosion like it was right next to him. Of course the sound down there was amplified. They were all evacuated ASAP from the mine, but it seems there is little that can be done to predict where or when it might happen.
