Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake has directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide hourly updates of the seismic developments around Abuja, the Federal Capital to him for regular review and possible escalation to other relevant agencies.
Urging residents of the Federal Capital to go about their normal routine without anxiety, Alake, who is currently engaging American investors on joint venture proposals in the solid minerals sector in Washington DC, United States said other proactive measures have been deployed to ensure the safety of residents and properties.
He was responding to an alert by the NGSA, reporting that tremors shook several buildings in Abuja on Tuesday, 4 August, this year.
The NGSA Seismic Monitoring Station, Utako, recorded the earth tremor at exactly 11.23.27am, noting that it originated from a 1-kilometre depth and spread across a distance of four kilometres in five seconds.
The NGSA interpreted the tremor as a ‘light event of I to II magnitude on the Mercalli scale’.
Its words: ‘This is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor that poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction.”
The Minister assured the public that the agency will continue to monitor the situation while residents engage in normal activities.
Here’s a rewritten, original news report in standard news style using British English:
Writing
Alake Orders Hourly Monitoring of Abuja Tremors, Assures Residents of Safety
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide him with hourly updates on seismic activities recorded in Abuja following reports of earth tremors in parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Alake said the updates would enable regular assessment of the situation and allow for further action or escalation to relevant government agencies if necessary.
The minister, who is currently in Washington DC, United States, engaging American investors on possible partnerships in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, urged residents of Abuja to remain calm and continue with their daily activities without fear.
He said the government had activated precautionary measures to protect residents and property following an alert from the NGSA on seismic activity recorded in the capital.
The NGSA had reported that tremors were felt in several parts of Abuja on Tuesday, 4 August, prompting further monitoring by the agency.
According to the agency’s Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako, the tremor occurred at exactly 11:23:27am. It was recorded at a depth of one kilometre and spread across an area of about four kilometres within five seconds.
The NGSA classified the occurrence as a light seismic event, measuring between one and two on the Mercalli intensity scale.
The agency explained that the tremor was consistent with a surface-level earth movement and posed no danger to lives or property, apart from temporary discomfort and public concern caused by the shaking.
Alake assured residents that the NGSA would continue monitoring developments closely and provide necessary updates while members of the public go about their normal activities.
