NGSA calms fears over recent earth tremors in FCT

By Kunle Sanni

The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has reassured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that there is no cause for alarm following the recent series of earth tremors experienced in the area.

In a statement released by the NGSA’s Director-General, Professor Olusegun Ige, the agency confirmed that it has been monitoring the tremors, which are of low magnitude and pose no significant threat to the environment.

“The NGSA’s Monitoring Station (NGSA-5) at Katampe has recorded several ground motions with varying magnitudes since September 13, 2024. Although the intensity and frequency of the tremors increased from September 13 to 16, all recorded events remain low in magnitude,” the statement read.

The NGSA reported that over 20 seismic events were captured on September 16, 2024, with most of the epicenters located northeast of the NGSA-5 Seismic Station near the Mpape axis, while a few were recorded southwest near Katampe.

The tremors registered between III and IV on the Modified Mercalli Scale, indicating weak to light intensity.

The agency attributed the tremors to accumulated stress along identified faults, which released seismic energy that traveled through fractures in the region. Despite the frequent occurrences, the NGSA assured that the tremors pose a very low threat to the public.

Residents of Mpape, Katampe, Maitama, and other affected areas have been advised not to panic. The NGSA continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.

The agency’s seismic stations are also being observed in real-time to ensure rapid alerts in the event of any significant seismic activity.