A social media claim regarding an earthquake in Voinjama, Lofa County, was found to be misleading. The National Disaster Management Agency confirmed that only an earth tremor occurred, not a full-scale earthquake. This distinction is significant as it indicates a less severe geological event, countering the panic generated by the initial claim.
On November 18, 2024, social media user Makagbeh Kamara claimed on the Facebook group Fries FM that Voinjama City in Lofa County experienced an earthquake. He expressed concern for the safety of the entire city, stating, “The entire Voinjama City experienced an earthquake two hours ago. Lord, please have mercy on us.” This claim prompted widespread attention, garnering 171 reactions and 241 comments, with varying opinions on its veracity.
In pursuit of the truth behind this claim, DUBAWA sought information from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of Liberia. Mr. Archievego M. Doe, the Communication Officer of NDMA, confirmed that the agency had received reports of a low-intensity earth tremor in the vicinity. He noted that a team of specialists, including geologists and environmentalists, conducted an assessment of the situation and determined that the phenomenon in question was indeed an earth tremor, not an earthquake.
This distinction is crucial, as an earthquake is characterized as a violent shaking of the ground capable of causing significant destruction due to tectonic activity, whereas an earth tremor is a brief and less intense movement of the Earth’s surface. Thus, while there was an earth tremor reported in Voinjama, it did not reach the severity of an earthquake, rendering the initial claim misleading.
Earthquakes and earth tremors are differentiated by their intensity and impact. Earthquakes result from the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, causing violent shaking that can lead to severe damage and loss of life. Conversely, earth tremors are less intense vibrations that occur due to similar geological forces but lack the destructive potential of earthquakes. Understanding this distinction is essential when discussing seismic events, particularly in regions with active geological activity.
The investigation into the claims made about an earthquake in Voinjama reveals that there was no earthquake as initially stated, but rather a low-intensity earth tremor. This clarification emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting during natural events to prevent misinformation from spreading, especially on social media platforms. Given the findings, the claim made by Makagbeh Kamara stands as misleading, highlighting the necessity for careful scrutiny of sensational reports.
Original Source: dubawa.org
