RIYADH – Chairman of the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) Zuhair Nawab spoke out against rumors being circulated on various social networking websites on the likelihood of an earthquake in Jeddah. Nawab said there is little scientific evidence for the claims and said such rumors only help spread panic. He reassured Jeddah residents that the National Center for Earthquakes and Volcanoes at the SGS is monitoring seismic and volcanic activity round the clock. “The center immediately informs the concerned authorities in case of any seismic activity so the necessary precautionary measures can be taken,” he said, while calling on citizens and expatriates not to be carried away by rumors. “They should trust the statements issued by the Saudi Geological Survey, as it is the official authority tasked with monitoring and studying seismic activity in the Kingdom,” he added. Talal Mukhtar, head of the Seismic Studies and Research Department at the National Center for Earthquakes and Volcanoes and one of the leading experts working at the SGS, also refuted the online rumors and reassured Jeddah residents that the coastal city was not at risk. – SG/SPA
