Origin
The earthquake felt August
7, 2015 at 3:24 has a tectonic origin. Effect in the subregion of the Great
Lakes is characterized by an extensive zone (rifting) whose extension is valued
at 1cm per year. Therefore, this tectonic activity is always accompanied by
intense seismic activity. Note that the last great earthquake pacer in the
region dates back to February 2008.
Location of the earthquake
(Epicentre)
The seismic history of the
area and damage assessment this morning leads us to hypothesize that the
epicenter was located in Kalehe territory (Ihusi on Lake Kivu) near the fault
Birava exactly in the Southwest region of Lake Kivu.
Intensity of the earthquake
According to the observation
of the damage and the report analysts CEEG Goma this morning, the intensity
would be 6 on the scale Merchalli (Magnitude 5.8 on the Richter scale according
to the Volcanological Observatory of Goma). It is now difficult to rally this
earthquake with volcanic activity in the region and this would have no direct
impact on a possible volcanic eruption. The population of Goma has not to worry
for now only it must remain vigilant and attentive to the authorities of the
directives.
As the earthquake is usually
due to a brisque release of energy, a series of small tremors will be felt for
a period of 10 to 15 days related to residual energy release and ongoing
accumulation.
We note the following damage
Several injuries and loss of
life are reported in the towns of Mabingu, Katana (according to a summary
report provided by the health zone Kabamba, Katana) Lwiro, Lugendo, Kabamba,
Kavumu, Tshovi, Kavumu, Bagira (in town Bukavu) etc.
There are also reports of
collapsed houses and more damage.
Population Council
The Centre for Expertise and
Geological Survey (CEEG) advise the population of the sub-region of the Great
Lakes, Goma and Bukavu in particular to observe the following basic principles:
- Do not freak disaster
(earthquake) given that we live in an area with permanent and continuous
seismic activity.
- Move away from buildings,
suspended and unstable objects in case of an earthquake;
- Protect especially the
head by hiding under a table, desk or table doorways during a quake or if there
is opportunity to go outside.
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