Abuja Earth Tremor: Alake Calls For Calm, Directs Agency To Report Updates

The Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dr. Dele Alake has directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide hourly updates of the seismic developments around Abuja, the Federal Capital to him for regular review and possible escalation to other relevant agencies.

Urging residents of the Federal Capital to go about their normal routine without anxiety, Alake,who is currently engaging American investors on joint venture proposals in the solid minerals sector in Washington DC, United States said other proactive measures have been deployed to ensure the safety of residents and properties.

He was responding to an alert by the NGSA, reporting that tremors shook several buildings in Abuja on Tuesday, August 4, this year.

The NGSA Seismic Monitoring Station, Utako, recorded the earth tremor at exactly 11.23.27am, noting that it originated from a 1-kilometre depth and spread across a distance of four kilometres in five seconds.

However, the NGSA interpreted the tremor as a “light event of I to II magnitude on the Mercalli scale.”

Its words: “This is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor that poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction.”

The Minister assured the public that the agency will continue to monitor the situation while residents engage in normal activities.