The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has sought to calm concerns over recent earth tremors experienced in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Residents of Mpape, Katampe, Maitama, and other affected areas had been worried about the tremors, but the NGSA has reassured them that the seismic activity poses no major threat.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, NGSA Director-General Olusegun Ige confirmed that the tremors recorded in the city were low in intensity and non-threatening.
“We have been closely monitoring the tremors, and our findings indicate that they are of low intensity and do not pose any serious risk,” Ige said.
Earth tremors, often referred to as small earthquakes or vibrations in the earth’s surface, have recently been felt across Abuja. The NGSA’s monitoring station (NGSA-5) at Katampe recorded several significant ground motions between September 13 and September 17, 2024.
The statement detailed that the tremors began with one mild event on September 13. However, there was a noticeable increase in both the intensity and frequency of these events from September 14 to 16. “On the 14th of September, six events were recorded. The following day saw over 21 events, and more than twenty were recorded on September 16,” the statement explained.
Despite the increased number of tremors, the agency emphasized that the intensity remained weak to light, measuring between III and IV on the Modified Mercalli Scale. This scale is used to assess the intensity of seismic activity based on observed effects.
The NGSA’s preliminary analysis showed that the sources of these ground motions were located less than 5 km away from the monitoring station. This proximity, combined with the weak to light intensity, contributed to the agency’s assessment that the tremors do not present a serious threat.
“Our team visited the affected areas for on-the-spot assessments and found that the tremors were the result of accumulated stress along identified faults and released seismic energy,” Ige said.
The NGSA’s assessment also revealed that there were multiple epicentres of the tremors. Most of these were located northeast of the NGSA-5 Seismic Station, around the Mpape axis, while a few were situated southwest, around the Katampe axis.
“The epicentres are spread out, with some located northeast and others southwest of our station,” Ige added.
The agency’s report assured the public that while the tremors might have caused some alarm, they should not be cause for major concern. “The general public should be aware that the tremors are generally low and do not pose a significant threat. We advise residents of the affected areas to remain calm,” the NGSA statement read.
“Our seismic stations are being monitored in real-time to ensure that we can promptly alert the public if there is any major change,” Ige said.
This reassurance comes in response to growing unease among residents who had experienced the tremors and feared potential damage. Earth tremors, while generally less destructive than larger earthquakes, can still cause panic and concern among populations, especially in areas not accustomed to such seismic activity.
In recent years, Nigeria has seen increased seismic activity in various parts of the country, leading to heightened awareness and concern among its citizens. The NGSA plays a crucial role in monitoring these activities and providing timely information to ensure public safety.
The NGSA has also conducted airborne geophysical surveys in the past to better understand the geological conditions and fault lines in various regions. This data helps in predicting and assessing seismic activities, contributing to more effective public communication and safety measures.
