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(NYASATIMES) US experts urge Malawi to pass law for standard houses in the wake of quakes

US experts urge Malawi to pass law for standard houses in the wake of quakes
By Nyasa Times
Published: January 13, 2010

USA earthquake expert says the series earth quake in Karonga were moderate and were on the sequence of 6.2 magnitudes, and it’s normal for Malawi as it falls to earthquake prone zone because of its geographical position which is in the Rift Valley. The observation has come after their two weeks visit in the country when sequences of over 30 earthquakes were experienced in Karonga last month.

Addressing a news conference in Lilongwe, Water Mooney and Frederick Simon, USA geological experts said Malawi should put up measures to ensure the safety of its citizens.

He suggested that Malawi should formulate laws especially on housing because a lot of people who have been affected by the earthquake had weak houses that were build using local materials.

“Some of the good engineering houses were not affected, like Karonga hospital and some teachers houses, this can be avoided in the future if parliament could pass a binding law towards the standard of building houses.” they said

They cited an example that in Californian, USA such sequences do happen but the locals are always at ease as they live in better housing structures.

The experts have however denied reports that the earthquake were due to the mining of uranium at Kayelekera.

“We are absolutely convinced that the mine did not contribute to the earthquake,” they said

They also said there is no need to relocate the people of Kalonga but what government should do is to engage local engineers for the rebuilding of the houses to those people who were affected by the quake.

They however said theRe is still a possibility that another quake would hit the district.

However, Malawi’s director for geological and survey, Leonard Kalindekafe said it’s not possible to predict earthquake.

Kalindekafe also said the earthquake that had hit the center region on Wednesday is not connected from the series of Karonga earthquakes

Labels: EARTHQUAKES

posted by MrK @ 5:04 PM