The Director of Meteorology Department at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Abdullah Mohamed al-Mannai, confirmed yesterday that the earthquake that struck Iran on Tuesday evening had a slight impact on some coastal areas in the east of Qatar, indicating that it does not pose any danger to the country.
In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), al-Mannai said that the earthquake that struck Fars Province, southwestern Iran, was monitored by Qatar Seismic Network at 8.18 in the evening and reached a magnitude of 5.7, is considered as an average earthquake.
He noted that feeling this earthquake depends on the person’s proximity to the place of its occurrence, explaining that the feeling of the earthquake in atar was limited to some coastal regions in the east of the country.
He added that the closest point to the earthquake zone is 327km from Doha, while the closest point on land is in Ras Laffan, which is 266km southwest of the earthquake.
On the aftershocks of this earthquake, al-Mannai explained that the Qatar Seismic Network has already recorded five aftershocks so far, the strongest of which reached five degrees (in Iran), pointing out that they are almost imperceptible.
Al-Mannai underlined the efficiency of the Qatar Seismic Network, pointing out that the system is subject to continuous development that increases its efficiency and capabilities. He pointed out that there are future projects aimed at developing the meteorological system and the seismic monitoring network in the country, noting that these projects are under study and will start soon.
Meanwhile, al-Mannai explained that the temperatures recorded during the current period are considered normal, and that they have not witnessed an unprecedented rise.
He said that “we are now in the summer and what we are witnessing a rise in temperature and this is normal, and there is no indication that the temperature has reached an abnormal extent.”
Al-Mannai pointed out that temperatures have witnessed a rise at the global level during the past years, noting that this is due to many reasons.
He added that “we are now in the period of AlBawarih winds, which begins in the first week of June, and it is expected to return starting from next Saturday and will continue until the end of next week.”
He pointed out that AlBawarih winds are active northern winds that blow during the noon periods and raise dust, and their speed ranges between 15 and 25 knots exceeding 35 knots sometimes in some areas, which leads to low visibility, while it softens the atmosphere during the evening.
Al-Mannai advised everyone not to be exposed to the sun and not to go out during the peak times and postpone unnecessary work during the day, wear comfortable clothes in light colours, drink an appropriate amount of fluids, avoid external activities and not be exposed to direct sunlight as much as possible, and not to leave the children alone in the car and to make sure there is no one inside the car before leaving.
Al-Mannai called to be cautious and avoid all marine activities and to follow weather reports through the official accounts on social media platforms.
He also advised everyone in the event of any earthquake to avoid panic and fear and follow the instructions issued by the official authorities and follow safety instructions, wishing safety for all.
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