Clarification on Voinjama Seismic Event: Earth Tremor, Not Earthquake

A false claim of an earthquake in Voinjama City, Liberia, posted by user Makagbeh Kamara, was found to be misleading. The National Disaster Management Agency clarified that the event was an earth tremor, not an earthquake, highlighting the difference between the two phenomena. This incident emphasizes the need for accurate reporting during seismic activities to prevent misinformation.

On November 18, 2024, a Facebook user named Makagbeh Kamara claimed that Voinjama City, located in Lofa County, experienced an earthquake, stating, “The entire Voinjama City experienced an earthquake two hours ago. Lord, please have mercy on us.” The post, shared within the Fries FM Facebook group, sparked considerable engagement, receiving 171 reactions and 241 comments, which showcased a division among users regarding the validity of the claim. In response to the confusion generated by this post, DUBAWA sought clarity from the National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia (NDMA).

According to Mr. Archievego M. Doe, the Communication Officer at NDMA, the agency had received reports concerning a low-intensity earth tremor rather than a catastrophic earthquake as alleged. Teams comprising geologists and environmental experts were deployed to assess the situation on-site. Mr. Doe confirmed that their evaluations supported the occurrence of an earth tremor but not a full-blown earthquake, thereby providing a clear distinction between the two events. According to sources, an earthquake signifies significant ground shaking leading to potential devastation, whereas an earth tremor indicates a smaller, less intense seismic event caused by similar geological forces.

The mischaracterization of the event as an earthquake may lead to unnecessary panic and misinformation. The NDMA’s distinction between an earth tremor and an earthquake is crucial, as earthquakes involve more considerable ground motion and impact, while tremors are typically milder and fleeting. The information disseminated by Mr. Doe underscores the importance of accurate reporting during natural occurrences such as seismic activities.

In conclusion, the claim of an earthquake in Voinjama is misleading, as the evidence indicates that an earth tremor occurred instead. It is imperative for the public to rely on verified information from credible sources to avoid misunderstandings regarding natural disasters, as seen in the case of this social media post.

Earthquakes and earth tremors are often confused terms; understanding the distinction is critical for public awareness and safety. An earthquake represents a significant geological event that causes violent shaking of the earth’s surface, resulting from tectonic movements or volcanic activity. Conversely, an earth tremor is characterized as a minor or brief shake, less intense than an earthquake. While both arise from natural geological forces, their implications and potential consequences vary greatly, making accurate terminology essential, especially in communication involving emergencies and safety.

The investigation reveals that the social media claim of an earthquake in Voinjama was indeed misleading, as confirmed by the National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia. The situation involved an earth tremor, which is fundamentally different in intensity and impact from a full-scale earthquake. This distinction is vital to mitigate misinformation and panic among the public regarding significant geological events.

Original Source: dubawa.org