By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to remain calm following the earth tremor recorded in parts of Abuja on Tuesday, assuring that the seismic activity poses no threat to lives or property.
Alake also directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide him with hourly updates on the situation for continuous assessment and possible escalation to other relevant government agencies if necessary.
The minister, who is currently in Washington, D.C., United States, engaging American investors on joint venture opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, said the government had activated proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents and public infrastructure.
His assurance followed an alert issued by the NGSA after tremors were felt in several buildings across the nation’s capital on Tuesday, August 4.
According to the agency, its Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako recorded the earth tremor at 11:23:27 a.m., stating that it originated from a depth of one kilometre and travelled about four kilometres in five seconds.
The NGSA classified the incident as a light seismic event, measuring between I and II on the Mercalli Intensity Scale, and said it posed no significant danger.
The agency explained that the tremor was characteristic of a surface earth tremor and was not capable of causing damage to lives or property, apart from temporary shaking and anxiety among residents.
Alake reiterated that the NGSA would continue to closely monitor seismic developments around Abuja and keep the government informed through regular reports.
He advised residents of the Federal Capital Territory to continue with their normal daily activities without fear, assuring them that there was no cause for panic based on the agency’s scientific assessment.