Recent earth tremors in Kandy Kandy tremor report handed over

The team of experts who were appointed to look into the recent earth tremors by the Ministry of Environment,  has handed over its report  to the Ministry. They had recommended a long-term monitoring programme as soon as possible to monitor earth tremors, as several have occurred in the Central Province, the Environment Ministry said yesterday. 

The team of experts has said in their report that long term monitoring is essential as several tremors have occurred in the same region in a short period of time ‘Very few reports of structural cracks and enlargement of houses have been reported after this incident. As previously recommended, the structural rupture monitoring process, mainly related to dolomite mining in the Aluthwatta area, has been described and the recommendation made in the final report submitted to the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau should also be taken into consideration,” the report has said. 

It has also been recommended to provide a format for recording incidents reported to selected persons in the area, mainly students, provide immediate distance training to students on the process. 

Further the report had recommended steps to activate the Accelerometer and seismograph with data connection to the Bureau’s National Data Centre, especially in the Victoria Dam reservoir structures.  Although limestone is abundant in the area, it is not possible to attribute the tremors to limestone quarrying, but further scientific research is needed.  

A comprehensive programme would be launched for the protection of not only Victoria Reservoir but all reservoirs.  

The expert report has pointed out that the dam of the Victoria Reservoir has not been affected due to the recent earthquake. 

The expert team comprised of senior seismologist Nilmini Thaldena, senior geologist Mahinda Seneviratne, geologist Mahasen Wickramaratne, seismologist Jayanath Herath, seismologist Uthpala Ratnayake and trainee seismologist Sachintha Weeranayake.