Clarification on Voinjama Seismic Activity: Earth Tremor Not an Earthquake
A Facebook post claiming an earthquake in Voinjama City, Lofa County, has been verified as misleading. The National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia confirmed that the reported incident was an earth tremor and not an earthquake, emphasizing the difference between these two terms.
On November 18, 2024, a Facebook user named Makagbeh Kamara reported in the Fries FM group that an earthquake had struck Voinjama City, Lofa County, causing distress among its residents. His post claimed that the entire city was affected, stating, “The entire Voinjama City experienced an earthquake two hours ago. Lord, please have mercy on us.” This claim elicited a variety of reactions from users, prompting DUBAWA to investigate the veracity of the assertion.
DUBAWA reached out to Mr. Archievego M Doe, the Communication Officer of the National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia (NDMA), to clarify the situation. Mr. Doe confirmed that the NDMA had received reports of a low-intensity earth tremor in Voinjama rather than an earthquake. A subsequent assessment conducted by a team of experts, including geologists and environmentalists, corroborated this finding. It was established that the incident was an earth tremor, which is typically characterized as a smaller and less intense ground movement compared to a full-fledged earthquake.
The difference between an earthquake and an earth tremor lies primarily in their intensity and the extent of damage they may cause. According to Citizen Digital, an earthquake is defined as a violent shaking of the ground resulting from tectonic movements, while an earth tremor represents a minor shift in the Earth’s surface without the same destructive potential. In light of these distinctions, the claim regarding an earthquake in Voinjama is thus deemed misleading.
The recent unfounded claim of an earthquake in Voinjama, posted on Facebook, highlights the potential for misinformation in the digital age. The distinction between an earthquake and an earth tremor is critical, especially in areas susceptible to seismic activity. Understanding these phenomena is vital for public safety and accurate reporting. Earthquakes can lead to severe destruction, making reports of seismic events a matter of concern for local agencies and communities. Accurate information dissemination is essential to prevent unnecessary panic among the population.
In conclusion, while Makagbeh Kamara’s post regarding an earthquake in Voinjama generated considerable attention and concern among social media users, factual verification by the NDMA has clarified the event as merely an earth tremor. The information reveals the importance of distinguishing between different types of seismic activities to provide accurate public information and reduce misinformation.
Original Source: dubawa.org
