Ten high-frequency seismometers installed around Victoria dam

Considering the number of minor tremors reported from several areas in Digana, Teldeniya and Kundasale in Kandy since last year, the Environment Ministry has installed 10 high-frequency seismometers around the dam of the Victoria Reservoir.

The Environment Minister, Mahinda Amaraweera, appointed a committee of experts to submit a scientific report on the matter and the committee's report said the tremors did not affect the Victoria Reservoir dam, nevertheless a comprehensive study was needed.

Following instructions from the Environment Ministry, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) carried out an extensive study of the dam of the Victoria Reservoir and minor earth tremors had been reported from time to time.

Since last year, several minor earth tremors measuring closer to the magnitude of two Richter scale have been reported from various locations in Kandy, including Digana, Teldeniya, and Kundasale.

Therefore, it was recommended immediately to install at least 10 high frequency seismometers in the area to obtain at least six months of seismic data.

Currently, four permanent seismometers are located at Pallekele, Hakmana, Buddhangala and Mahakanadarawa. But it is difficult to obtain the actual data on minor seismic conditions from them, the GSMB officials said.

They said the new high-frequency seismometers would be able to detect even the slightest tremor in the earth's interior. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)