Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake has directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide him with hourly updates on seismic developments around Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for regular review and possible escalation to other relevant agencies.
Urging residents of the FCT to go about their normal routine without anxiety, Mr 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, 4 August.
The NGSA Seismic Monitoring Station, Utako, recorded the earth tremor at exactly 11.23.27 a.m., 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.
Lara Owoeye-Wise
Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
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