/ 15 March 2006

Earth tremor rattles eastern Zim, Mozambique

An earth tremor shook parts of eastern Zimbabwe and Mozambique on Wednesday, less than three weeks after an earthquake hit the same area, state television said.

”There was an earth tremor in some parts of the country at around 2pm,” the state-controlled Newsnet said.

”The tremor is said to have started in Mozambique and was severe in Chipinge where panic-stricken residents were seen running in fear,” said state television. ”The civil protection unit has urged people to remain calm in the event of a similar incident.”

A witness in the eastern town of Mutare, Clement Mashanda, said the tremor shook tall buildings in the town.

”It was just minor,” Mashanda said. ”Only tall buildings were affected, but it was not serious at all.”

An earthquake registering 7,5 on the Richter scale struck Mozambique on February 23 and was felt in parts of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Four people, including two children, died in the quake that also destroyed 190 homes in Manica province, which borders Zimbabwe. — Sapa-AFP