Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA),has reassured residents that there is no imminent danger following the recent earth tremors that rattled parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The tremors, which occurred between September 13 and 17, 2024, were deemed minor, with intensities classified as weak to light on the Modified Mercalli Scale.
In a statement released by the Director-General of the NGSA, Professor Olusegun Ige, the agency confirmed that the tremors, though frequent, do not pose any threat to the environment or residents. “The Monitoring Station (NGSA-5) at Katampe has been capturing several significant ground motions with high moment magnitudes (Mw) in the past five days,” Ige disclosed. “Preliminary analysis of the waveforms showed that the sources of the ground motions are less than 5 km away from the monitoring station.”
The tremors, which started mildly on September 13, intensified over the following days. Six events were recorded on September 14, followed by 21 more on the 15th, and over 20 on the 16th. The NGSA team, which conducted on-the-ground assessments, linked the tremors to accumulated seismic stress along identified fault lines in the FCT.
Professor Ige clarified that while the tremors were noticeable, their impact was minimal. “The tremors can be generally described as low,” the statement said. “The intensities range from III to IV on the Modified Mercalli Scale, which indicates they are weak to light tremors.”
The affected areas include Mpape, Katampe, Maitama, and other surrounding locations. Residents who felt the tremors were urged not to panic, as the NGSA continues to monitor the seismic activity in real time.
“The NGSA is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Our seismic stations are being monitored to ensure prompt alerts on any significant developments,” the Director-General added.
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory have expressed relief following the reassurances from the NGSA. “When the tremors started, I was concerned, but hearing from experts that there’s no real threat has helped ease the tension,” said Musa Oladele, a resident of Maitama.
The NGSA’s swift response highlights the agency’s commitment to public safety. In recent years, Nigeria has seen minor seismic activities, particularly in areas like Mpape and Katampe, which are known to lie near fault lines. However, experts emphasize that these tremors are not unusual for regions with such geological formations and typically do not escalate into significant earthquakes.
This event underscores the need for continued awareness and preparedness in Nigeria, as urban areas expand, and previously dormant fault lines may experience activity. The NGSA has also called for increased investment in monitoring infrastructure and public education on handling seismic events, ensuring that residents are better informed and equipped for any future occurrences.
As the agency continues its real-time surveillance, residents can take comfort in the fact that Nigeria’s geological experts remain vigilant, ready to provide updates and take action should there be any cause for concern.