Fresh Earth Tremor Hits Abuja

Fresh earth tremor has occurred in Abuja almost two months after parts of the nation’s capital were jolted by the rumbling within the bowels of the earth.

The latest occurrence happened in the Maitama District of the Federal Capital Territory and has been confirmed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA).

A joint statement signed by Vincent Owan, Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting NEMA and Abdulrazak Garba of the NGSA, confirmed the development.

NSGA said the earth tremor occurred somewhere in Panama Street in the highbrow Maitama.

It stated that a team was sent to the location of the call for an on spot assessment and an internal response protocol was immediately activated, informing relevant government agencies and stakeholders.

“Our preliminary findings indicated that the tremor occurred at about 12.26 hrs around the vicinity of Panama Street in Maitama district, Abuja.

“After the field evaluation, the NGSA determined that the intensity was about 3.0 on the Mercalli Intensity Scale.

“That means it was just felt indoors and lasted less than one minute.

“Further inspection revealed that there was no structural damage due to the vibra- tions and hence, NEMA was adequately briefed by the NGSA.

“The residents were consequently assured that there was no cause for alarm,’’ the statement read.

Owan disclosed that NGSA technical teams were conducting further assessments and would continue to update the public on further development.

However, some residents of the affected areas, said they were feeling apprehensive by the earth tremor, adding that the seismic activity produced some unusual sensations and shook the neighborhood fiercely.

They pleaded with the relevant authority to ease their worries as many of them were scared of staying indoor.