Seismologist Warns Of Possible Earthquake Following Earth Tremor In Kwara

A lecturer in the Department of Geophysics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adekunle Adepelumi, has raised the alarm of a possible earthquake after an earth tremor of low magnitude was recorded in Omu-Aran, Kwara State.

The expert said this on Tuesday while speaking with journalists.

Adepelumi had earlier in a report said an earthquake of low magnitude was recorded around Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local
Government Area of Kwara on Saturday 5th, June 2021.

The report indicated that the earth-tremor of low magnitude occurred in Nigeria at 11:11:25.6 am (GMT). The origin time is 11:11.08.2 am (GMT) (Figures 1 to 3). The estimated focal depth is 15.0 km and the moment magnitude is 2.6 on the Richter scale.

Adepelumi while speaking on Tuesday said the movement was so low that human beings might not feel it.

He stated that the equipment being used to monitor the seismic events were donated by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and World Bank

He said, “At OAU, we have an array of highly sensitive seismometers, space weather and Infrasonic detectors installed in our laboratory for 24/7 monitoring of local and regional seismic events, ground vibrations that are natural and anthropogenic, and quarry activities. We have been doing this monitoring since 2007 till date.

“My system in OAU is working with 1,560 stations in the whole world. Those equipment are always auto plotting to detect earth-tremors and others. I sent my report to China, South Korea, Brazil, Japan and the United State of America.

“The fault is called the Zungeru-Ifewara Transcurrent Fault system that runs in NNE-SSW direction from the Atlantic Ocean to the northern part of Nigeria. It passes through Omu-Aran and cut across the entire Bida/Nupe Basin. It’s a Strike-slip Fault with surface expression. The fault is an active fault that is evident by the recent seismic activities in the area and possibly reactivation of the fault which led to the earth-tremor.

“Seismic hazard is a major problem worldwide that could impact the environment, buildings and any existing c ivil infrastructures in the area. If it is severe with high magnitude, it could lead to loss of life and properties.”

He said the last time government obtained reports from the laboratory was when President Muhammadu Buhari’s committee on earth-tremor visited the laboratory on September 14th, 2018.

He added, “Only the foreign bodies come to the lab to get the reports of earth-tremor, Nigerians are not concern about it.”