Possible volcanic activity reported in Ngora

Mar 22, 2019

Cracks were also seen developing at the foot of the rock, the local people observed that the cracks are increasing in size,”

ENVIRONMENT

Is the Moru Otukei rock in Ngora district experiencing volcanic activity?

That is the fear that has gripped the residents of Ngora town in eastern Uganda after the district environment department issued a report of possible volcanic activity on the rock.

As a result, a directive has been issued to the community of Okisim Ward - where the rock is located - in Ngora town council not to go near the rock, with signs of heating and cracking reported.

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) officials led by Julius Muyizzi, a geospatial analyst, visited the rock.

 There is dense settlement nearby, putting the people at risk

 

Ambrose Onoria, the resident district commissioner of Ngora, also went to the site and told residents to be ready in case government finds it necessary to relocate them.

The environment office has directed the district to consider resettling the most vulnerable people to safer areas so as to prevent loss of life.

"The community's concern was also true, in that volcanic activity is taking place; evidenced by the boiling sound associated with heat, which increases as you advance towards the rock," said Margaret Awekonimungu, the acting environment officer of Ngora district in her report to the district leadership.

She visited the rock on Thursday after locals reported possible volcanic activity.

Cracks were also seen developing at the foot of the rock, added Awekonimungu, and that they were 'increasing in size".

alt=''Ngora environment officer Margaret Awekonimungu says locals always go near the rock to witness what is happening

 

 RDC Ambrose Onoria told residents to be ready to be relocated in case of an emergency

 

 Cracks were reported to be developing at the foot of the rock

 

"Community members also reported occurance of blue flames, especially at nightm and some smoke. This volcanic activity started on Monday morning at about 10:00am, reported by one of the elderly women living near the rock (Agwang Christine) and it has never stopped," said Awekonimungu in her report.

"There is also dense settlement nearby, putting the people at risk. More to that, the local people always go near the rock to witness what is happening, they are therefore at a very high risk just in case an eruption occurs.

"Related to the above, the population of Ngora Town Council is also at risk since the town is located on the lower slope, so any flow of magma downwards may submerge some of the town plots. The heavy blast may also trigger an earthquake or  tremors."

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});