Bulletin Database

THE EFFECTS OF FEBRUARY 3rd, 2008 EARTHQUAKE IN THE LAKE KIVU BASIN, WESTERN
RIFT VALLEY

Authors: Wafula MIFUNDU, Byamungu MATABARO, Ciraba MATESO, Mukambilwa KIBUYE , Ciza ASSANI , Kasereka MAHINDA, Cinyabuguma KASISI Hamaguchi HIROYUKI, Kasahara MINORU, Maeda TAKAHIRO, Zana NDONTONI and Moshi MVULA
Abstractfulltext
The lake Kivu basin had experienced an earthquake of local magnitude ml= 6.1 on February 3rd, 2008 at 7h34’ UT, in its south-western part. Many phenomena were generated in the lake Kivu and on the shorelines. At several places were observed land subsidence on the shoreline where several children were killed in D.R. Congo and Rwanda sides. At other places land uplift was observed. According to the fishermen, small tsunami was generated and attacked the coast lines. The highest level accessed by the tsunami was estimated to 4m at Ibindja Island. The small gas escaping generated by the tsunami was observed at several places in the lake Kivu. Many damages were recorded in Bukavu city and surrounding areas in D.R. Congo and Rwanda, characterized by the fissures on the walls or collapse of houses. Total 49 people were killed by the earthquake and aftershocks, more precisely 10 in D.R.C. and 39 in Rwanda. This event was preceded by many foreshocks and followed by a long duration of felt aftershocks. The focal mechanism of this event indicates a normal fault. The maximum intensity was recorded close to the epicentre area and estimated to VIII-IX.