Mild Tremor Shakes UAE's Khor Fakkan Region

Mild Earthquake Detected in the UAE: Residents of Khor Fakkan Experience Mild Tremor

The United Arab Emirates National Meteorological Center (NCM) detected a mild earthquake on Tuesday evening in the eastern part of the country, in the area of Khor Fakkan. The quake occurred at 20:35, and according to official reports, it was of magnitude 2 on the Richter scale. The event caused no injuries or damage, but some residents felt mild ground movement.

What Exactly Happened?

The depth of seismic activity was only 5 kilometers, meaning the quake occurred relatively shallow. Such shallow earthquakes, even if weak, are more often felt on the surface than deeper quakes. NCM also released a map of the event's location, visually depicting the exact point of ground movement.

How Unusual is This in the UAE?

While the UAE is not among the world's most seismically active zones, smaller quakes do occur from time to time, especially in eastern regions such as Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, or nearby marine areas. These ground movements are mostly harmless and rarely cause any problems.

What Does a 2 Magnitude Quake Mean?

Quakes of 2 magnitude are considered "microquakes," which can usually only be detected by instruments. If such a quake is perceived by the population, it typically manifests as mild tremors or vibrations, such as rattling windows or a perceivable movement on the floor. However, NCM emphasized that the recent ground movement had no impact on the built environment or infrastructure.

Residents' Reactions and Authorities' Response

Some residents reported feeling mild tremors, but there was no cause for panic or concern. The authorities quickly and transparently communicated the events, assuring the public that there was no danger and the event posed no threat.

The National Meteorological Center regularly monitors earthquakes occurring in the country's territory and surrounding marine areas. The UAE's state-of-the-art seismological network allows for the detection of even the smallest tremors, aiding the government in reliably and quickly informing the public.

Why is Early Detection Important?

Even if an earthquake does not cause damage, quick and accurate detection is crucial for future event preparedness. A well-functioning forecasting and monitoring system facilitates immediate action if needed, especially in densely populated or critical infrastructure-laden areas.

Summary

The 2 magnitude earthquake detected in the eastern part of the UAE was a mild natural phenomenon that had no impact on buildings or people's safety. The prompt reaction of the National Meteorological Center and the precise communication with the public can be considered exemplary. Although such phenomena are rare, the country's technological preparedness allows for timely detection and communication of any potential events.

(Source of the article: National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) announcement.)