Israeli Health Ministry on Monday warned that a strong earthquake is imminent in the north and instructed medical institutions to step up preparations for the disaster.
An interministerial committee that studies seismographic data noted that exceptional seismic activities have been recorded since mid-February in southern Lebanon bordering north Israel, indicating a possible major tremor, Director-General of the Health Ministry Avi Yisraeli said in a special notice distributed to medical authorities and organizations.
During the three months starting from mid-February, around 500 small tremors hit the area with a magnitude of less than two on the Richter Scale, while in the last 10 days of May and the beginning of June, the magnitude increased to the degree that they were felt in north Israel, said the notice.
"Numerous studies presented by the Geophysical Institute have shown that a change in frequency raises the probability of a stronger earthquake. The assessment of the interministerial committee for earthquake preparation is that the likelihood of a quake at a Richter magnitude of 6.0 in southern Lebanon is growing," added Yisraeli.
As such a quake would cause destruction of buildings and infrastructure in north Israel, Yisraeli urged medical bodies and organizations to "prepare to the best of their abilities," including specifying operational guidelines, checking essential medical equipment and satellite telephones in hospitals, and enhancing logistic readiness.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article