On November 18, 2024, a Facebook user claimed that Voinjama City had faced an earthquake. However, the National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia confirmed that it was merely an earth tremor, not an earthquake, refuting the initial alarm raised by the post. This fact check highlights the importance of understanding the difference between minor tremors and significant earthquakes.
On November 18, 2024, a Facebook user named Makagbeh Kamara claimed in a public group known as Fries FM that Voinjama City, the capital of Lofa County, experienced an earthquake. His post indicated that the entire city had been affected and expressed concern for the safety of its inhabitants, stating, “Lord, please have mercy on us.” As a result, the post garnered significant attention, with 171 reactions and 241 comments, prompting both disbelief and concern among readers, leading to a fact-check by DUBAWA.
To verify the accuracy of this claim, DUBAWA reached out to Mr. Archievego M. Doe, the Communication Officer of the National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia (NDMA). Mr. Doe clarified that the agency had received reports of an earth tremor rather than a full-scale earthquake. Furthermore, a team comprising geologists, environmentalists, and risk reduction specialists conducted an assessment of the area. Their findings confirmed that the phenomenon reported was indeed an earth tremor, which is a minor, brief seismic activity and markedly different from an earthquake in terms of intensity and potential damage.
According to sources, earthquakes are characterized by violent shaking resulting from geological movements, often leading to widespread destruction. In contrast, earth tremors are considerably milder, involving small and brief movements of the Earth’s surface, typically without causing significant damage. The distinction between these two events is crucial for public understanding and response.
The terminology surrounding seismic activities is often misunderstood, leading to confusion among the public. Earthquakes and earth tremors differ primarily in intensity, with earthquakes being far more destructive due to greater ground motion. Understanding the implications of these terms is vital for appropriate responses during such natural events. The National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia plays a critical role in monitoring seismic activity and providing accurate information to the public to prevent misinformation, especially in regions susceptible to geological disturbances.
In conclusion, the claim regarding an earthquake in Voinjama City was found to be misleading. The incident in question was an earth tremor, confirmed by the National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia. Such distinctions are essential in conveying accurate information to the public and ensuring there is no undue panic over seismic activities that are not as severe as initially suggested.
Original Source: dubawa.org
