Jordan conducts earthquake simulation after 2 deadly quakes hit MENA
Jordan conducts earthquake simulation after 2 deadly quakes hit MENA
After two massive, devastating earthquakes took place in the Middle East and North Africa this year, Jordan conducted a simulation of how to deal with earthquake disasters.
On September 19, the Jordanian National Center for Security and Crisis Management concluded a simulation program of how to deal with earthquake disasters and to show how effective the state’s bodies are able to deal with any possible earthquakes in several areas nationwide, according to a statement issued by the center on its official Facebook page.
The conclusion of the program coincided with a 2.7-magnitude earthquake that took place in the Wadi Araba region on September 19, announced the Jordanian Seismological Observatory (JSO).
The three-day training, titled “Darb Aman” (Route of Safety), was conducted in cooperation with several state institutions, the armed forces and the police.
The simulation also tested the state’s readiness to respond with rescue and search operations, and at the same time to make sure of the quality of vital infrastructure, in addition to the mechanism for distributing assistance. The training included how to deal with awareness messages if an earthquake took place.
Recently, Morocco was battered by a 6.8-magnititude earthquake in the Marrakesh-Safi region in the Atlas Mountains on September 8. It killed more than 2,900 people and destroyed 50 houses completely and partially, Sky News Arabia reported on September 19.
Another deadly quake earlier in the year was a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit the Turkish-Syrian border on February 6, killing about 60,000 people, including more than 50,000 just in Turkey. A total of 300,000 aftershocks were recorded. Jordan recorded 700 aftershocks of this devastating earthquake.
Located near the Dead Sea Rift, Jordan is vulnerable to earthquakes, said Dr. Najeeb Abu Karaki, professor of geophysics and seismology, in comments to JO 24 on September 13. However, he noted that any possible earthquake could be moderate and not strong, but if it occured near residential areas, it would have negative reprecussions.
