Saudi Arabia is not at danger from a major earthquake, reports the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Quoting an official spokesperson from the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS), the press agency downplayed speculation about seismic activity in the Red Sea region.
The report came after a leading Saudi geologist said the Kingdom could be struck by a major earthquake “any minute”.
Saudi earthquake threat
In an interview with Al Hadath TV, Abdul Aziz bin Laboun, a prominent geologist in the Kingdom, said: “This major tremor is expected and could happen at any minute. Seismic surveys show at least 1,000 tremors occur along the Red Sea. Consequently, we have to coexist with this situation, but precaution should be taken”.
Tariq Aba Al-Khalil, an official spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey, downplayed the concern.
Via the Saudi Press Agency he said it is not possible to predict the occurrence of an earthquake for a specific time at a specific location, and indicated that the previous claims are personal views that are not based on studies, follow-ups and monitoring, but rather mere predictions.
Al-Khail said that SGS Hazards Centre follows seismic activity in the central Red Sea region around the clock and that the seismic magnitude is weak to medium.
Where there is a region of tectonic tension due to the divergence of the African tectonic plate from the Arabian tectonic plate, it is characterised by mostly weak to moderate seismic activity.
He added that the number of tremors that are registered in the Red Sea does not exceed dozens per week, and is considered imperceptible and does not constitute any danger.
Al Khalil further commented that the SGS is the sole authority entrusted with seismic monitoring in the Kingdom and called for the need to take information only from official authorities regarding earthquakes’ monitoring in KSA.
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