Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to remain calm following a reported earth tremor on Tuesday.
The Minister has also directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide hourly updates of the seismic developments around Abuja to him for regular review and possible escalation to other relevant agencies, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, on Wednesday.
The NGSA had reported that tremors shook several buildings in Abuja on August 4.
The NGSA 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.
However, urging residents of the Federal Capital to go about their normal routine without anxiety, Alake, who is currently engaging American investors on joint venture proposals in the solid minerals sector in Washington DC, United States, said other proactive measures have been deployed to ensure the safety of residents and properties.
The NGSA interpreted the tremor as a ” light event of I to II magnitude on the Mercalli scale.”
Its words: ” 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 Minister assured the public that the agency will continue to monitor the situation while residents engage in normal activities.
