The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide hourly updates following the earth tremors recorded in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, issued the directive after the NGSA confirmed that Tuesday’s tremors affected several buildings in parts of the nation’s capital.
In a statement obtained by The News Chronicle on Wednesday evening, Alake, who is currently in Washington, D.C., meeting with American investors on mining partnerships, urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the government was taking all necessary measures to safeguard lives and property.
The minister said security and emergency agencies had activated precautionary measures and were closely monitoring the situation in the affected areas. He also directed the NGSA to submit hourly situation reports to his office to enable continuous assessment and prompt response where necessary.
According to the NGSA, its Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako detected the tremor at exactly 11:23 a.m. on Tuesday. The agency said the seismic activity originated approximately one kilometre beneath the surface and travelled about four kilometres within five seconds.
READ ALSO: Military And NSCDC Deepen Partnership to Boost Security in Yobe
The NGSA classified the incident as a light seismic event, measuring between I and II on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, adding that available data indicates there is no immediate cause for alarm.
However, the agency stressed the need for continued monitoring and increased public awareness, while the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to keeping residents informed and responding swiftly to any further developments.
