Earth Tremor: FEMD Sets Up C’ttee On Preparedness

By Miriam Humbe

An adhoc Committee on emergency preparedness plan for earth tremors in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) has been constituted.

Nkechi Isa, FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs disclosed this in a statement.

The Acting Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed announced this after a meeting with stakeholders on recent vibrations in some parts of Mpape, Katampe and Maitama.

Engr Abdulrahman said that the adhoc committee would sensitize residents on what to do during and after the tremor.

He said the earth tremor which first occured on Saturday at Mpape exhibited no physical evidence of rock movement.

Deputy Director, solid minerals, FCTA, Ulom Luke Ifop informed that fault lines under the ground placed stress on the rocks causing tremors.

Ifop said: “This thing which has started will continue. There is a seismic substation at Toro and at Katampe Hill. We need a substation at Area 11, Asokoro and Maitama”.

A water consultant, Engr Taiwo Oyekan said human activities may have caused friction on the edges leading to the tremors.

Oyekan who said that there must be a blast threshold by quarry companies, suggested that all rock blasting in the area must be put on hold for now.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, (NGSA) has confirmed earth tremors in some parts of the FCT and urged residents not to panic.

The NGSA described the tremors as low and posing no threat.

In the meantime, FEMD has appealed to residents of the affected areas to evacuate their buildings in the event of a vibration.

FEMD also appealed to residents to stay away from electric poles during the vibrations.

The Acting DG appealed to residents to always use the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of an emergency.