By Tata Mbunwe
Residents in several neighborhoods in Buea reported earthquake-like tremors early Friday, October 23, triggering fears of possible volcanic activity around Mount Cameroon.
People in Buea Town, Moli, Bokwaongo and Soppo felt 10 to 15-second tremors that shook houses and furniture before quieting down.
Mount Cameroon, which sits over 4,000 metres above sea level, has not erupted since 2000, though scientists classify it as an active volcano that could erupt at any time.
Dr Mafany George, South West regional delegate of scientific research and innovation, urged calm, saying such tremors are expected given the mountain’s active status.
“This is an indication that there is some magmatic activity beneath the volcano. But that does not mean that it will necessarily result in an eruption. These are things that happen. Sometimes they are felt, sometimes they are not,” he told state media on Friday.
He advised people to leave the house and stay in open shades or under trees when next they witness such quakes.
Mount Cameroon last erupted from May 28 to June 19, 2000, and has had seven confirmed eruptions in the last 100 years.
Residents who witnessed the 2000 eruption are now recalling the experience, but authorities say there is no cause for panic.