The Saudi Geological Survey Authority (SGS) has said that tremors felt over the past few days in villages west of Madina were due to subterranean volcanic activity in the Harrat Al-Shaqqah area. The activity is set to continue and the SGS is gathering geological and other scientific data while coordinating with the Civil Defense. Hani Bin Mahmoud Zahran, head of the SGS National Center for Earthquakes and Volcanoes, said the tremors started in the area of Harrat Al-Shaqqah on April 18, and while initial activity was weak, it gradually gained intensity registering 3.7 on the Richter Scale. Only six of the 1,200 tremors were tangible, Zahran added. Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Tewajri, Director General of Civil Defense, said his organization has started implementing preventive measures to ensure the safety of more than 60,000 residents at Al-Ais Center. Urging the residents not to panic, he said Civil Defense teams have started erecting 2,000 tents at the sites of the tremors. He said the Civil Defense is fully geared up to provide shelter to 60,000 people in case of an emergency. He said a plan has been drawn up to evacuate all people residing in Hadmah, Al-Qarrassah and Al-Ameed villages. As a precautionary measure the Civil Defense teams have requested the residents in these villages to leave for safe areas. – Okaz/SG
