Latest earthquakes near Orange Free State, South Africa today
Complete overview of the latest earthquakes near Orange Free State, South Africa, updated every minute. Did you feel an earthquake today in Orange Free State? If an earthquake is happening right now near Orange Free State (also known as Free State), it will show up within minutes.
Orange Free State Earthquake Statistics
Average
A total of 91 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or above have struck within 300 km (186 mi) of Orange Free State, South Africa in the past 10 years. This comes down to a yearly average of 9 earthquakes per year
A relatively large number of earthquakes occurred near Orange Free State in 2018. A total of 18 earthquakes (mag 4+) were detected within 300 km of Orange Free State that year. The strongest had a 4.6 magnitude.
Magnitude Distribution
The table below visualizes the distribution of all earthquakes that occurred within 300km of Orange Free State in the past 10 years. No earthquakes with a magnitude of 6 or above have occurred near Orange Free State during this time. Usually, higher magnitudes are less common than lower magnitudes. Small earthquakes with a magnitude below 4 on the Richter scale have been omitted from this overview.
| Magnitude | Earthquakes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Mag. 4 | 90 | 98.9% |
| Mag. 5 | 1 | 1.1% |
| Mag. 6 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 7 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 8 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 9 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
Strongest earthquakes near Orange Free State
The strongest recent earthquake of the past 10 years near Orange Free State occurred on Apr 3, 2017 05:08 local time (Africa/Johannesburg timezone). It had a magnitude of 5.2 and struck 119 kilometers (74 mi) north of Welkom, at a depth of 5 km. Discover more strong earthquakes near Orange Free State in the list below.
A longer time ago, a MAG-6.1 earthquake struck on Feb 20, 1912 15:03, 131 kilometers (81 mi) north of Welkom. It is the strongest earthquake near Orange Free State in the past 125 years (Our data goes back to January 1st, 1900).
In the table below you will find the strongest earthquakes that occurred near Orange Free State, South Africa in the past 10 years. You can use the tabs to find the heaviest historic earthquakes since the year 1900 or within a specific year or distance from Orange Free State.
Earthquakes by city in Orange Free State
Click the links below for earthquake reports for major places in Orange Free State, South Africa.
Use this regional Orange Free State earthquake report for earthquakes that were felt in smaller towns and cities in the region, including Kutloanong, Phuthaditjhaba, Bethlehem, Sasolburg, Bothaville, Parys, Viljoenskroon, Wesselsbron, Senekal, Thaba Nchu, Theunissen, Allanridge, Harrismith, Heilbron, Hennenman, Ladybrand and Reitz.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions are commonly asked in relation to earthquakes occurring near Orange Free State.
When was the last earthquake in Orange Free State, South Africa?
A 3 magnitude earthquake hit near Orange Free State on the morning of November 11, 2025 at 11:21 local time (Africa/Johannesburg). The center of this earthquake was located 96km north-northwest of Kroonstad at a depth of 10km under land. Check the list on our website for any earthquakes occurring near Orange Free State, South Africa in the past hours.
What was the strongest earthquake near Orange Free State, South Africa?
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit near Orange Free State on the afternoon of February 20, 1912 at 15:03 local time (Africa/Johannesburg). The center of this earthquake was located 131km east-southeast of Welkom at a depth of 15km under land. This is the strongest earthquake that occurred near Orange Free State since the year 1900.
How often do earthquakes occur near Orange Free State, South Africa?
In the past 10 years, 91 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or higher occurred within a 300 kilometer range from Orange Free State. This averages to 9 earthquakes yearly, or one earthquake every 40 days.
