Earthquake

An earthquake, also known as a quake, tremor or temblor, is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time.

At the Earth's surface, earthquakes manifest themselves by shaking and sometimes displacement of the ground. When the epicenter of a large earthquake is located offshore, the seabed may be displaced sufficiently to cause a tsunami. Earthquakes can also trigger landslides, and occasionally volcanic activity.

News›Hong Kong

Hong Kong rattled by quake in Guangdong

Saturday, 23 February, 2013, 12:21am

Lai Ying-kit

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Earthquake wave monitors at the Hong Kong Observatory. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Hong Kong felt tremors on Friday after a minor earthquake occurred in the mainland.

The Hong Kong Observatory said the 4.8-magnitude quake’s epicentre was in the Guangdong city of Heyuan, about 190 kilometres from Hong Kong.

The quake occurred at 11.34am on Friday and last a few seconds, the observatory said, adding that more than 100 reports were from residents feeling tremors.

No injuries have been reported so far.

The observatory said the intensity felt in Hong Kong was like vibration caused by passing of light trucks.

This was Heyuan’s second quake in a week. On Saturday another 4.8-magnitude quake jolted the city, with tremors felt in Hong Kong.

A resident in northwest New Territories, said she felt Friday’s shocks.

“I was sitting on a sofa at the time. I felt some vibrations. My glass windows clattered for a brief moment. It last about 2 seconds.” the woman, surnamed Lee, said.

Another resident, who was in his home on the 17th floor of a Kowloon Tong block at the time, said: “I was shaken for a sudden and felt like the whole flat swung a bit. I thought nothing else could have swung it like this.”