Previous Occurrences in Abuja
Abuja has experienced several earth tremors in recent years. Notably, a significant earth tremor occurred in the Mpape community from September 5th to 7th, 2018. This tremor caused considerable alarm among residents and was attributed to fault movements within the upper crust. Another tremor was reported in the same Mpape area in 2021, causing similar concerns. These events highlight the region’s susceptibility to seismic activities, despite Nigeria being generally considered an aseismic zone.
What Causes Earth Tremors in Abuja?
Nigeria lies far from the major earthquake zones, and its seismic history is relatively quiet compared to regions like the Pacific Ring of Fire or areas near tectonic plate boundaries. However, earth tremors can still occur due to various factors. In the case of Abuja, experts have suggested that the tremors could be a result of minor movements in fault lines within the Earth’s crust or the activities of underground water reservoirs.
Human activities such as construction, drilling, and mining could also exacerbate underlying natural causes. Abuja’s rapid urban development, with large-scale projects and infrastructure expansion, may play a role in disturbing the earth’s balance. Experts have pointed out that it’s critical for authorities to conduct detailed geological surveys to identify the specific causes and to prevent future occurrences that could have catastrophic effects.