Quake hits southern Africa

The most powerful earthquake for a century hit Mozambique and surrounding nations early Thursday morning.

The effects were felt in both South Africa and Zimbabwe and other neighbouring countries.

Earthquakes are rare in southern Africa, but though recorded as 7.5 by the US Geological Survey, only a child and sick person have been reported killed. The BBC reports that traditional houses have collapsed but no buildings in the capital Maputo are said to have fallen.

President Armando Emilio Guebuza urged calm on state radio and television and said the government still had no damage estimate.

Since civil war ended in 1992, tourism has been increasing to the region and one person was reported to be injured after jumping from a hotel. People are said to be frightened but most remain unhurt.

Earthquakes remain rare in southern Africa and this latest one occurred along the East Africa rift.