Earthquakes Offshore UAE Trigger Early Morning Tremors

Residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced a shaky start to their day on Wednesday morning when two minor earthquakes hit the Oman Sea. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed the tremors, which originated off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, a northern emirate bordering Oman.

The first earthquake, measuring 3.1 on the Richter scale, struck at 12:12 am local time, followed by a second tremor of 2.8 magnitude at 1:53 am. Both earthquakes were relatively shallow, with a depth of around 10 kilometers.

Although the NCM assured residents that there was no impact within the UAE, many citizens, especially those in the northern emirates, reported feeling slight tremors. This is not uncommon in the region, as similar events have occurred in recent months.

The UAE is located in a tectonically stable region, with the Arabian Plate forming the base of the country. However, the smaller tectonic plates surrounding the Arabian Plate can cause occasional seismic activity. The Musandam Peninsula, which extends from Oman into the UAE, is close to the boundary of the Arabian and Eurasian plates, making it more susceptible to tremors.

The NCM has a network of seismological stations across the UAE to monitor seismic activity continuously. This network is vital in detecting and measuring earthquakes, enabling the NCM to issue advisories and updates promptly.

Fortunately, there were no reports of damage or casualties following the earthquakes. Nevertheless, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness. The NCM recommends that residents familiarize themselves with earthquake safety procedures, such as drop, cover, and hold drills, and keep an emergency kit on hand for unforeseen situations.

While earthquakes are a natural occurrence, the recent tremors in the UAE emphasize the need to stay informed and ready for potential seismic activity. Stay safe and be prepared.