Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to remain calm following the earth tremor recorded in parts of Abuja on Tuesday.

The minister said he has directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, NGSA, to provide him with hourly updates on seismic activity for continuous assessment and, where necessary, referral to other relevant agencies.

The NGSA reported that the earth tremor occurred at exactly 11:23 a.m. on August 4 and was detected by its Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako. The agency said the tremor originated at a depth of one kilometre and travelled about four kilometres within five seconds, causing vibrations that were felt in several buildings across the Federal Capital Territory.

NGSA classified the event as a light tremor of Magnitude I to II on the Mercalli scale and said it would continue to monitor the situation while advising residents to go about their normal activities without fear.

— CHANNELS