The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allayed the fear of an earthquake in Abuja.
The assurance came in view of the apprehension in some quarters following the vibrations experienced in the earth in some areas of Abuja Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
The areas affected are Mpape and Maitama districts of Abuja.
Allaying the fear of an earthquake, the Director General of FEMA, Mr. Abbas Idriss, said the vibration might have resulted from tremor.
According to him, it could have been caused by stress in underground rocks as a result of rock blasting and mining activities in an area.
His statement in reaction to the fear reads in part: “We have been inundated with distress calls in our watch room as a result of earth shaking happening around Mpape and part of Maitama district of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Whilst appreciating the call from the public, the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wishes to make the following statements: ‘That the possible cause of the earth shaking might be as a result of earth tremor.
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‘That it is a sign of seismic movement within the earth. This is caused by sudden break along a fault line which results in sudden release of energy that makes the ground to shake.
‘It is caused by stress in underground rocks and may be due to rock blasting and mining activities in an area.
‘The residents are to note that there is nothing to panic as there is no likelihood of any earthquake disaster in Nigeria as we are not in earthquake zone.
‘Therefore, we are urging all residents to calm down and be rest assured that the abnormal situation will soon stop.’”
While urging the people of the affected area to remain calm as the abnormal situation would soon cease, he gave some tips: “Calm and do not panic. If you stay in a building, locate a safe room, drop down and take cover under desk or table and hold tight on it. You should stay away from windows and objects that may fall.
“If you are outdoors, find a clean spot away from buildings, trees and powerlines. If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clean place, stay in the car until the shaking stops.”