Alarming reports of earth tremors that sent residents fleeing from their homes, has prompted the Government of Liberia to dispatch a “Joint Assessment Team” to Foya, Lofa County.
The team aims to investigate the cause of the unsettling phenomenon that occurred on August 12, causing panic among locals in the village, which is notably the native home of former Minister of National Defense Brownie Samukai. The National Disaster Management Agency said in a statement Wednesday in Monrovia.
Residents reported experiencing violent shakes of the earth, leading many to believe they were experiencing an earthquake.
The sudden tremors prompted immediate evacuations, as fear gripped the community, the agency said.
“The assessment team comprises experts from various government institutions, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the National Disaster Management Agency, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
“They will be joined by security personnel to ensure safety and provide logistical support during the investigation.
Authorities have pledged to deliver preliminary findings within 72 hours, with a comprehensive report to follow after a thorough scientific examination of the incident.
The government is taking the situation seriously, emphasizing the need for a detailed understanding of the cause of the tremors to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities, the agency said.
Earthquake in Liberia Q&A
When was the last earthquake in Liberia?
The last earthquake in Liberia was 23 years ago and struck 195 km (121 mi) ↖ NW from the center of the country. The earthquake had a magnitude 4.40 on the richter scale and a depth of 10.0 km.
What was the strongest earthquake near Liberia?
The strongest earthquake recorded near Liberia was a 4.50 magnitude earthquake with a depth of 10.0 kilometers. It struck 16 km SW of Tubmanburg, Liberia or 161 km (100 mi) ← W from the center of Liberia, 28 years ago.
How often do earthquakes occur in Liberia?
In 2024, Liberia has experienced 0 earthquakes thus far, which is lower than the average of 0.03 earthquakes per year in the country. Based on the data dating back to 1950 we can asume that Liberia is struck by 0.00 earthquakes per month.
- Earthquake statistics obtained from Database Earth
