A Facebook post claimed an earthquake occurred in Voinjama City, but DUBAWA clarified that it was merely an earth tremor as verified by the National Disaster Management Agency of Liberia.
On November 18, 2024, a Facebook post by user Makagbeh Kamara claimed that an earthquake had struck Voinjama City, Lofa County, resulting in widespread devastation. The post quickly garnered attention, with numerous reactions and comments expressing a mix of belief and skepticism regarding the information. In light of the claim’s popularity, DUBAWA conducted a fact-check to clarify the situation.
The incident surrounding Voinjama has highlighted the important distinction between an earthquake and an earth tremor. According to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of Liberia, the latter is a minor seismic event characterized by brief, low-intensity movements of the Earth’s surface, unlike earthquakes that tend to be more violent and destructive. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate assessments and public awareness during such occurrences.
DUBAWA’s investigation confirmed that the recent event in Voinjama was indeed an earth tremor, not the earthquake claimed by the social media user. This clarification underlines the need for accurate reporting and public education on seismic activities. Misinformation can lead to unnecessary panic, demonstrating the vital role of credible sources in communicating such news.
Original Source: dubawa.org