Clarification on Voinjama Seismic Event: Earth Tremor Misreported as Earthquake
A recent claim of an earthquake in Voinjama City by a Facebook user was found to be misleading, as the National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia confirmed that an earth tremor occurred instead. The distinction between an earthquake and a tremor is critical, as the latter poses less risk. Clarification from authorities helps combat misinformation and reassures the public about their safety.
On November 18, 2024, a post by Facebook user Makagbeh Kamara in the Fries FM group claimed that an earthquake struck Voinjama City, Lofa County, stating that the entire city was affected. The post, which garnered significant attention with 171 reactions and 241 comments, prompted confusion among readers, some believing the claim while others questioned its validity. To clarify the situation, DUBAWA contacted the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of Liberia for verification.
Mr. Archievego M Doe, Communication Officer of the NDMA, confirmed that a low-intensity earth tremor had indeed occurred, not an earthquake as originally claimed. A team consisting of geologists, environmentalists, and risk reduction experts conducted an assessment in Voinjama and affirmed that the incident was a tremor, characterized as a brief and minor movement of the Earth’s surface.
In contrast, an earthquake involves significant ground shaking and can lead to widespread destruction, being a more intense phenomenon than a tremor. Citizen Digital defines earthquakes as violent movements caused by tectonic and volcanic activity, whereas earth tremors are comparatively less intense and pose a lower risk. Thus, the confusion arose from the misinterpretation of what constitutes an earthquake versus an earth tremor.
By clarifying the distinction between these two geological events, the NDMA aims to prevent misinformation from spreading and reassures the public about their safety following the tremor.
The topic of earthquakes versus earth tremors is crucial for public awareness, as miscommunication can lead to fear and misinformation. In regions prone to seismic activity, understanding the difference between these events helps to provide a clearer picture of potential risks. An earthquake is characterized by violent ground shaking, while an earth tremor is a smaller, brief movement that does not usually result in significant damage. The correct terminology is essential for effectively communicating the nature of geological events to the public, particularly in areas like Lofa County in Liberia.
The incident in Voinjama was confirmed to be an earth tremor, not an earthquake, as initially claimed by social media user Makagbeh Kamara. This distinction is vital for ensuring that the public accurately understands the nature of seismic events. The NDMA’s clarification serves to mitigate unnecessary panic and emphasizes the importance of disseminating factual information regarding geological movements. Therefore, the initial claim by the Facebook user is classified as misleading.
Original Source: dubawa.org
