Title: “The earthquake in Beni in the DRC: a reminder of the seismic risks in the region”
Introduction :
During the night of Thursday 24 to Friday 25 August, the region of Beni, located in the province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.09 on the Richter scale. . This event, recorded by the Volcanological Observatory of Goma (OVG), once again highlights the seismic risks facing the population of the region. In this article, we will come back to the details of this earthquake and the importance of taking prevention and awareness measures to deal with such events.
A well-recorded earthquake but approximate information:
Thanks to its powerful telemetry system, the OVG was able to record the earthquake in the Beni region. However, in the absence of a station in the Far North, the accuracy of the location of the epicenter still remains approximate. Professor Georges Mavonga, head of the Department of Seismology at the OVG, stresses the importance of having local seismic networks to obtain quality information and enable populations to prevent risks.
No damage reported, but vigilance is still required:
According to the mayor of the commune of Mulekera, in the city of Beni, no human or material damage was reported after the earthquake. However, he recalls the importance of remaining vigilant and avoiding anarchic constructions which could be more vulnerable in the event of new earthquakes. This remark underlines the efforts needed to raise awareness among the population to adopt preventive behavior and to comply with seismic standards during the construction of infrastructures.
Call for the operationalization of local seismic networks:
Faced with the strong seismic activity in the Far North region, the OVG calls for the operationalization of local seismic networks. These networks would make it possible to collect seismic information in real time and provide more precise data on earthquakes, thus promoting the implementation of adequate prevention measures. It is essential to incorporate this information into earthquake codes to ensure the construction of structures resistant to earthquakes.
Conclusion :
The earthquake in Beni in the DRC highlights the seismic risks facing the region. Although the earthquake did not cause major damage this time, it is essential to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to deal with such events. The operationalization of local seismic networks and compliance with seismic standards during the construction of infrastructure are all essential measures to ensure the safety of the population in the face of seismic risks