Geological experts have began investigations on a second tremor felt in Ambakotte and Aluthwatte in Kandy yesterday morning, while the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) has initiated discussions with the Disaster Management Centre and Mahaweli Authority on impending contingency measures.
“There is no cause for concern, but we will continue to map out the findings until we locate the epicentre and have fully ascertained the cause of the tremors,” Senior Director of the GSMB Geologist Udaya de Silva said. “Both tremors measured less than 2 on the Richter Scale and were recorded on three of the four earthquake monitoring centres.”
Geologist De Silva dismissed claims that it was an earthquake or an aftershock adding that preliminary findings have revealed that the tremor may have been caused by a man-made explosion, issues at the closest reservoir which is Victoria or fissures and cavities in limestone zones.
The first tremor was reported in Kundasale last Saturday (29) which was recorded only on two Seismic Stations Pallekale and Mahakanadarawa.
The second tremor which was reported around 8:32hrs yesterday was however recorded in the Pallekale, Mahakanadarawa and Hakmana centres. “The tremor needs to be reported on at least three centers for us to map it. Nevertheless we initiated investigations following the first tremor, and sent a team of six experts including geologists to the area. They are conducting further investigations.”
When asked of a reoccurrence of such tremors, Geologist de Silva added that while the GSMB cannot predict the vicinity of the intensity of it, they have already initiated discussions with the Disaster Management Centre on contingency measures.
“The Bureau met with officials from the DMC on Monday (1) and held discussions with the Irrigation Department as well as the Mahaweli Authority yesterday. We have asked for more data from the Irrigation Department to ascertain if the tremors were caused by the Victoria Dam. Furthermore since many of the reservoirs come under the Mahaweli Authority, we are also in communication with them as investigations progress.”