The recent seismic event that occurred in Morocco, with a recorded magnitude of 6.8, has presented an unparalleled calamity and widespread destruction. As the nation grapples with the sad reality of nearly three thousand lives lost and thousands more injured, it becomes crucial for us, as citizens of Ghana, to take a moment of introspection and contemplate our own susceptibility to seismic occurrences. Situated in a region prone to seismic activity, Ghana should draw valuable insights from the recent events in Morocco and take proactive steps to implement measures aimed at protecting our communities, infrastructure, and lives.
The Tragedy of Earthquakes in Morocco
During the night of 8-9 September, Morocco had a significant earthquake that resulted in widespread devastation. The seismic occurrence, with a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale, occurred in close proximity to the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, located around 70 km southwest of Marrakesh. The repercussions of this event were felt in other urban centers in Morocco, such as Rabat and Casablanca.
The consequences of this earthquake were extremely severe. Multiple reports depicted a somber portrayal of multiple residential structures succumbing to collapse in urban areas like as Taroudant and Marrakesh. Marrakesh, a city renowned for its rich historical and cultural legacy, experienced significant degradation of its architectural assets. Due to concerns regarding the possibility of additional seismic activity, apprehensive individuals opted to spend the night in open-air environments.
Ghana’s Vulnerability to Earthquakes:
Ghana, a country frequently acknowledged for its political stability and robust economic progress, is not impervious to the potential hazards presented by natural calamities. Although earthquakes may not be as commonly linked to this particular region compared to others, the geological attributes and high population density of the country render it vulnerable to seismic events.
Ghana is situated within a geological region characterized by a seismic zone that typically encounters seismic activity of moderate to low intensity. The principal geological characteristic that contributes to this susceptibility is the existence of the Akwapim-Togo mountain range, which spans the eastern boundary of the nation. The mountain range in question is linked to the convergence of the African and South American tectonic plates, so incorporating Ghana into the broader West African Rift System.
According to data provided by the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA), it is evident that Ghana encounters a number of mild earthquakes annually, as indicated by statistical records. Although the magnitudes of these tremors are often mild, often measuring below 3.0 on the Richter scale, they provide as an indication of the seismic capacity of the region.
While Ghana has not seen a catastrophic earthquake in recent times, it is not completely immune to the possibility of such events. One of the most noteworthy seismic occurrences in the historical record of Ghana took place in 1939, when the capital city of Accra was subjected to a substantial earthquake measuring approximately 6.5 on the Richter scale. The seismic event led to significant structural damage to buildings and infrastructure, resulting in the unfortunate loss of multiple human lives.
The significance of preparedness and awareness is emphasized by the historical record, given Ghana's location in a region prone to seismic activity.
The population density of Ghana is a significant factor contributing to its vulnerability to earthquakes. Urban regions, namely Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, exhibit high population densities and a prevalence of inadequately constructed structures. These factors exacerbate the hazards connected with seismic events. The possibility of severe casualties and infrastructure destruction is a matter of considerable concern.
What actions can be taken at the national level to address the current situation?
In light of the inherent seismic hazard, it is imperative for the government of Ghana to undertake various measures aimed at mitigating the consequences of earthquake occurrences.
1. Construction of earthquake-resistant structures: This is a crucial endeavor that entails the construction of buildings capable of withstanding seismic stresses, hence mitigating the potential for structural failure in the event of an earthquake.
2. Development of early warning systems: This is capable of providing advanced notification of impending earthquakes. These devices possess the capacity to potentially preserve lives by providing individuals with sufficient time to seek protection prior to the occurrence of seismic tremors.
3. Public awareness on earthquake safety: The primary objective of awareness campaigns and educational programs is to disseminate information among people regarding the correct measures to be taken in the event of an earthquake, as well as to provide guidance on how to effectively prepare for such an occurrence.
4. Emergency preparedness: This is an essential aspect of post-earthquake readiness, which involves the accumulation of crucial resources such as food, water, and medical supplies. The level of preparedness can have a substantial influence on the immediate consequences following a seismic event.
Challenges and Ongoing Actions:
Although commendable, it is important to acknowledge that there is still a significant distance to be covered in terms of enhancing earthquake preparedness and mitigating risks in Ghana. It is important to give due thought to the following additional steps:
1. Enhanced building codes and rigorous enforcement is important in order to guarantee the earthquake-resistant nature of newly constructed buildings. When needed, retrofitting of existing structures should also be done.
2: Community engagement is an essential aspect that cannot be overlooked. It is of utmost importance to increase awareness among individuals regarding the hazards they may encounter during earthquakes, as well as to provide them with education on precautionary measures.
3. The consistent maintenance and testing of early warning systems are of utmost importance in order to guarantee their efficacy when needed.
4. Disaster preparedness drills, such as earthquake drills, are essential in familiarizing individuals with safety measures and evacuation plans. These drills should be conducted periodically in schools, companies, and communities.
5. Infrastructure resilience is a crucial aspect that necessitates the fortification or retrofitting of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and emergency response facilities, to ensure their ability to survive earthquakes. This measure is important in order to maintain the uninterrupted provision of vital services during seismic disasters.
Overall, the earthquake catastrophe that occurred in Morocco recently serves as a clear and undeniable reminder of the immense destructive capacity of seismic phenomena. As people of Ghana, it is imperative that we do not delay in responding to a comparable calamity affecting our locality. In order to effectively mitigate earthquake risks within our state, it is imperative that we actively incorporate lessons learned from Morocco's experience and implement appropriate measures.
Considering our geographical position in regions characterized by frequent seismic activity and the continuous motion of tectonic plates, the potential occurrence of earthquakes remains a prominent concern. Through the implementation of rigorous building rules, the promotion of public awareness, the establishment of early warning systems, and the cultivation of a preparedness-oriented culture, it is possible to reduce the impact on human lives and property during seismic disasters.
The burden of accountability is not exclusively borne by the government, but rather extends to every individual within society. Collectively, we have the capacity to establish a Ghana that is characterized by enhanced safety and resilience, wherein our communities are adequately prepared to endure natural disturbances and emerge more robustly in the presence of challenges. The extent to which we can mitigate the consequences of future earthquakes and protect the lives of our community members will ultimately depend on our collaborative endeavors.
By Enock Katere
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