We need to prepare for a massive earthquake

The ageing buildings in Joburg make it a dangerous area, writes Gram Chigura from Hillbrow

The recent earthquake to strike some parts of the country should serve as a wake up call that these disasters are becoming a natural feature of this region and no longer a phenomenon we read about happening in some far off parts of the world.

Not long ago, we used to read about tornadoes, earthquakes, cyclones and all the other such natural disasters happening in some other part of the world and now it appears the honeymoon is over. We have those dangers on our doorstep.

So, since the alarm bells have been sounded, it’s time for us to make sure we won’t be caught off guard should such natural disasters occur on a devastating scale. Especially in places like the Johannesburg CBD with its ageing high-rise buildings, the majority of which are in an advanced state of dilapidation due to neglect.

Most of the buildings in Johannesburg have stood for decades as a symbol of its prosperity, having been built before the existence of these types of natural disasters.

The other frightening factor is that Johannesburg has some of the deepest mines in the world and that could contribute in making the area susceptible to earth tremors.

Seismologists should be called upon to access the extent to which that may contribute to making the ground under the city unstable and dangerous. Forwarned is forearmed. Let’s not sit on our laurels but rather take action now so we are prepared for the worst.