Tremor rocks Abuja as FG activates 24-hour seismic watch

An earth tremor shook parts of Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Tuesday, prompting the Federal Government to activate enhanced seismic monitoring and assure residents of their safety. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, instructed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide hourly updates on seismic developments around the capital.

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Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake has directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency 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.

The NGSA reported that the tremor was felt in several buildings across Abuja. Scientific analysis classified the incident as a minor seismic event, specifically a "light event of I to II magnitude on the Mercalli scale." This classification indicates the tremor was too weak to cause structural damage, though it may have caused discomfort and fear.

Minister Alake, currently in Washington D.C. for meetings on solid minerals investment, urged residents not to panic. He assured them that government agencies are closely monitoring the situation and have implemented proactive measures to safeguard lives and property. The NGSA's Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako recorded the tremor at 11:23:27 AM, noting it originated from a depth of one kilometer and spread over four kilometers within five seconds.

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The Nigerian 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.

Alake directed the NGSA to intensify surveillance of seismic activities in and around the Federal Capital Territory. The agency is to submit hourly reports for review and potential escalation to other relevant agencies. The minister reiterated that there is no cause for anxiety, and monitoring will continue.

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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.