Fresh tremors trigger panic in Fujairah

The tremors at around 4pm only lasted a few seconds and did not cause any injuries, according to Fujairah Civil Defence Director, Major Ali Obeid Tunaiji.

Tunaiji said only minor and isolated damages were recorded and the department received many calls with reports of tremors felt in Al Aqqah, Masafi, Sigga and Fujairah.

National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) seismologist Mohammed Jaragat said the Dubai Municipality Seismology Centre recorded the epicentre at Masafi and with a radius of 10km.

“It’s normal,” Jaragat said.

“The Northern emirates are on the northeast of the Arabian tectonic plate. There is movement between it and the Euro-Asian plate along Iran.”

A series of tremors were felt recently, including the highest of 4.4 along the UAE coast on February 3 and particularly around Fujairah where tremors measuring 3.4 were felt on February 2.

Jaragat said it was unlikely recent tremors suggested a more severe earthquake could hit.

“Historical records show light and moderate tremors,” he said.

“Not above 4.5 to 5 which is moderate.”