Expert calls for earthquake monitoring system

Al Ain: A fully-equipped national centre for seismology could help to develop safeguards in case of seismic activity in the northern emirates and major fault zones in neighbouring Iran.

The recent earthquake in Ras Al Khaimah has highlighted the need for a nationwide seismic monitoring network, say geologists and meteorologists.

Dr Ahmad Ali Abdullah Murad, Head of the Department of Geology at UAE University, said: "Such a network would help in seismic data collection and lead researchers to have complete knowledge of the actual nature of the activity."

Dr Murad said the Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced the setting up of a National Centre for Seismology and Meteorology (NCSM) in July.

"It is an important project and should be completed as early as possible," he added.