Earth Tremor: FEMD Sets Up Committee On Preparedness

The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has set up an ad-hoc committee to prepare for potential earth tremors in Mpape, Katampe, and Maitama areas of the nation’s capital.

Following recent vibrations in those areas, FEMD’s Ag Director General, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed, assured that the committee will educate residents on safety measures during and after tremors.

Experts attributed the tremors to fault lines and human activities, such as rock blasting.

Also, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency confirmed the tremors but deemed them low risk.

Engr Mohammed announced this after a meeting with stakeholders on Wednesday, informing that the ad hoc committee would sensitise residents on what to do during and after tremor.

According to him, the earth tremor which first occurred on Saturday at Mpape exhibited no physical evidence of rock movement.

In a remark, Deputy Director, Solid Minerals, FCTA, Ulom Luke said that fault lines under the ground place stress on the rocks causing tremors.

“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,” he said.

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

Oyekan who stated 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.

Residents are urged to call the 112 emergency toll-free number in case of emergencies.