Clarification on Seismic Activity: Voinjama Experiences Earth Tremor, Not Earthquake
A Facebook user falsely claimed an earthquake occurred in Voinjama City. The National Disaster Management Agency clarified that it was an earth tremor instead. This revelation emphasized the importance of distinguishing between these two seismic events.
On November 18, 2024, Makagbeh Kamara, a Facebook user, mistakenly claimed that a significant earthquake had struck Voinjama City, Lofa County. This assertion gained traction on social media, prompting an array of reactions among the public, with both believers and skeptics in the discussion. However, upon investigation by DUBAWA, it was clarified by the National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia that the incident was an earth tremor rather than an earthquake. The agency confirmed that their assessment team, consisting of geologists and risk experts, found no evidence of the latter, highlighting the distinction between these two geological phenomena.
Earthquakes and earth tremors are often confused terms, but they entail different magnitudes and impacts. Earthquakes are characterized by violent shaking, often resulting in destruction, typically stemming from tectonic movements. On the other hand, an earth tremor is a milder occurrence that can happen as a precursor to an earthquake or independently, causing only slight ground movement. Understanding these differences is critical in informing the public during seismic events.
In summary, the claim made by Makagbeh Kamara regarding an earthquake in Voinjama was misleading. The National Disaster Management Agency clarified that what occurred was an earth tremor, a lesser geological event. Maintaining clarity on such distinctions is essential to prevent misunderstanding and panic in the public domain.
Original Source: dubawa.org
