FG reacts after earth tremor shook Abuja

FG reacts after earth tremor shook Abuja

The federal government has activated enhanced seismic monitoring after an earth tremor shook parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The tremor was recorded by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) on Tuesday.

Abuja has recorded several earth tremors over the years, especially around Mpape, Katampe, Maitama and Gwarimpa.

In September 2024: Mpape and nearby areas had multiple tremors over 3-4 days. NGSA recorded about 48 events between Sept 13-17, with frequency and intensity rising mid-week.

The intensity was rated III-IV on the Modified Mercalli Scale — weak to light, with no visible cracks on walls or ground. However, residents had reported buildings shaking and loud sounds.

Other recorded events on January 10 2020 include the Abaji-Abuja tremor, magnitude 2.25 ML, and earlier reports in Gwagwalada/Abaji that NGSA later said were not captured by their stations.

Reacting to the incident, Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, directed the agency to provide hourly updates on seismic developments around the country’s capital.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Lara Owoeye-Wise, special assistant on media to Alake, the minister urged residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities without anxiety.

He said the NGSA had also been directed to intensify surveillance of seismic activities in and around the FCT and submit regular reports for continuous assessment and possible escalation to other relevant government agencies.

According to the statement, the NGSA’s seismic monitoring station in Utako detected the tremor at exactly 11:23:27am.

The agency said the earth movement originated from a depth of one kilometre and travelled four kilometres within five seconds.

It classified the incident as “a light event of I to II magnitude on the Mercalli scale”, noting that it was too weak to cause structural damage.

“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 agency said.

Alake, who is currently engaging investors in Washington DC, United States, on joint venture proposals in the solid minerals sector, said proactive measures had been put in place to ensure the safety of residents and property.

He assured residents that the government would continue to monitor the situation closely with the NGSA expected to provide regular updates on any fresh seismic activity.