Lesotho
Lesotho: earthquakes and wildfires
Latest earthquakes and active wildfires in Lesotho on a live map, the strongest earthquakes and largest fires on record, and statistics by year.
Live map – Lesotho
Key statistics (30 days)
Earthquakes M2.5+ and the wildfire fronts shown on the map.
Fire danger
Forecast for the area around: Maseru. Danger can vary locally; follow official guidance. Source: Copernicus EMS – EFFIS (FWI).
Severe weather (forecast)
- Today: Rain – Very heavy rain (25–50 mm) · Hlotse
- Tomorrow: Rain – Very heavy rain (25–50 mm) · Hlotse
- Tomorrow: Lightning – Very high lightning · Mohale's Hoek
Forecast for the area around: Lesotho. It does not replace warnings from the national weather service. Source: ECMWF / Copernicus EMS.
Recent events in Lesotho
- 76 days agoWildfire near Quthing, Lesotho16 km² · 42 km SE of Quthing, Lesotho
- 83 days agoWildfire near Qacha's Nek, Lesotho15 km² · 20 km WSW of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho
- 90 days agoWildfire near Qacha's Nek, Lesotho13 km² · 13 km ESE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho
- 102 days agoWildfire near Qacha's Nek, Lesotho16 km² · 50 km ENE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho
- 107 days agoWildfire near Qacha's Nek, Lesotho26 km² · 55 km ENE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho
- 129 days agoWildfire near Qacha's Nek, Lesotho11 km² · 55 km ENE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho
Historical overview
Earthquakes M3.0+ and significant events of other hazards.
About Lesotho
Lesotho has recorded 7 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or more since 1987. The strongest was M4.5 in 2016.
Satellites have detected 6 significant wildfires here; the largest burned about 26 km².
Know the official emergency number, prepare an emergency kit and follow the instructions of your civil protection authority.
Learn more ›Earthquakes
7 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or more since 1987. The strongest was M4.5.
Recent earthquakes
No earthquakes of magnitude 2.5+ in the last 12 months.
Strongest earthquakes on record
| Mag | Location | Time (UTC) | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 | 11 km W of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho | 10.0 km | |
| 4.3 | 45 km SE of Maseru, Lesotho | 5.0 km | |
| 4.3 | 11 km SSW of Semonkong, Lesotho | 10.0 km | |
| 4.3 | 66 km SSE of Maseru, Lesotho | 10.0 km | |
| 3.8 | near Ramabanta, Lesotho | 10.0 km | |
| 3.7 | 35 km NE of Mohale's Hoek, Lesotho | 5.0 km | |
| 3.6 | 48 km NE of Quthing, Lesotho | 5.0 km |
Earthquakes per year (M3.0+)
Year
| 2016 | 2 | M4.5 |
| 2002 | 2 | M4.3 |
| 1995 | 1 | M3.7 |
| 1993 | 1 | M3.8 |
| 1987 | 1 | M3.6 |
Wildfires
6 major fires since 2026. The largest covered about 26 km².
Recent fires
| Area | Location | Since | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 km² | 42 km SE of Quthing, Lesotho | Inactive | |
| 15 km² | 20 km WSW of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho | Inactive | |
| 13 km² | 13 km ESE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho | Inactive | |
| 16 km² | 50 km ENE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho | Inactive | |
| 26 km² | 55 km ENE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho | Inactive | |
| 11 km² | 55 km ENE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho | Inactive |
Largest fires on record
| Area | Location | Since | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 km² | 55 km ENE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho | Inactive | |
| 16 km² | 50 km ENE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho | Inactive | |
| 16 km² | 42 km SE of Quthing, Lesotho | Inactive | |
| 15 km² | 20 km WSW of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho | Inactive | |
| 13 km² | 13 km ESE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho | Inactive | |
| 11 km² | 55 km ENE of Qacha's Nek, Lesotho | Inactive |