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Africa - Nigeria - September 18, 2024

FCT Residents Urged To Remain Calm Amidst Minor Earth Tremors

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been advised to remain calm following a series of minor earth tremors experienced in the area. The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has assured the public that these tremors pose no significant threat to safety or infrastructure.

In a statement released on Wednesday, NGSA Director-General, Professor Olusegun Ige, explained that the agency has been closely monitoring the seismic activity. “Our monitoring station in Katampe has recorded several low-magnitude ground motions over the past few days,” Ige said. “While the intensity and frequency of these tremors have increased, they pose a very low-level threat to the public.”

The NGSA’s preliminary analysis indicates that the tremors are likely caused by accumulated stress along identified faults in the region. These faults have released seismic energy, which may have traveled through associated fractures to areas where the tremors were felt. The epicenters of these tremors are primarily located northeast of the Katampe station, around the Mpape axis, with a few southwest near Katampe.

The intensity of the tremors has been classified as weak to light, ranging from III to IV on the Modified Mercalli Scale. To ensure public safety, the NGSA has advised residents to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation. The agency emphasized that its seismic stations are being monitored in real-time to detect any significant changes in seismic activity.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed,” Ige assured. “The general public should be confident that we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.”

Residents in affected areas, including Mpape, Katampe, and Maitama, are urged to stay informed through official channels and follow any safety guidelines provided by the NGSA.