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20 April 2024

Tremors felt across UAE; 5.1 earthquake rocks Gulf

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By Bindu Rai and Parag Deulgaonkar

The UAE’s National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology has issued a Seismic Risk Report in wake of the 5.1 earthquake near Qeshm, Iran, that was felt in parts of the UAE on Tuesday.

The report states the alert level for the UAE has been turned on for now, with a warning that the level may be revised if necessary.

The report states the earthquake occurred at 9.44am in the Southern Iran region, approximately 279km North East from Abu Dhabi, 156km North East from Dubai and 52km North West from Ash Sham.

The epicentre of the quake was approximately 78km from Ras Al Khaimah, confirmed NCMS.

The authority has also confirmed an intensity of three on the MMI scale, felt across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman.

Meanwhile, The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority for the UAE has confirmed that the tremors felt.

In a statement, the UAE authority stated: “We reassure the public that the mild tremors have had no effect on the state.”

Earlier, seismologist from NCMS told Emirates 24|7: “The magnitude felt across parts of the UAE measured 4.0 on the Richter Scale, with no damage reported.”
 

EARLIER STORY:

Tremors felt across UAE; 5.1 earthquake rocks Gulf

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter Scale has struck off Iran at 9.44am Tuesday morning, with tremors felt across the UAE.

The epicentre of the earthquake is near Qeshm, stated the UAE’s National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology, which is still “analysing the extent of impact on UAE”.

The NCMS has confirmed the impact felt by the UAE measured approximately 4.0 on the Richter Scale, with Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah feeling the maximum impact of the tremors.

The NCMS further stated: “An earthquake hit Qeshm island at 9.44am, measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale and the intensity reached 4.0  at a depth of 10km and 120km from Ras Al Khaimah. The tremors were felt in the Northern Emirates and Dubai.”

ALSO READ: 909 high-rises, 448 skyscrapers in Dubai... Do you know how to survive an earthquake?

There are reports of buildings across the UAE being evacuated as a safety measure.

People took to Twitter stating that buildings in Downtown area, along with DIFC, Dubai Marina and Dubai Media/Internet City have been evacuated.

Meanwhile, Sharjah Police has tweeted that there is no damage caused.

ALSO READ: What to do during an earthquake

Residents reported experiencing tremors lasting “five to eight seconds”.

Madhura D, a resident of Discovery Gardens, said: “I was working at home and suddenly the table started shaking. Though it stopped shaking for a second it started shaking again.”

ALSO READ: Dubai buildings safe from neighbouring quakes

The US Geological Service data showed at latitude: -15.0935, Longitude: 66.8982, on May 27 at 6:23 AM (UTC), in Mid-Indian Ridge there was a seismic activity of magnitude 5.1 and depth 10km. Estimated population within 60km: none or few people No nuclear power plants within 150km. No dams within 60km.

The US Geological Service data showed 5.1 earthquake just off the Northern Emirates and 66km southwest of Qeshm in Iran [26.610°N 55.727°E]. It was recorded at 2014-05-27 09:44:31 UTC+04:00 at the depth fo 10km.

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