YANBU: The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) recorded negligible tremors in Al-Ais over the past two days with the strongest registering 3.4 on the Richter scale on Saturday.
"The strongest tremor recorded in Harrah Al-Shaqah during the 12 hours till Sunday noon was measured 2.8 on the Richter scale," an SGS statement said yesterday. "The return of the evacuees to their homes in Al-Ais could not be contemplated at present as one of the tremors registered on Saturday measured 3.4 on the Richter scale," said Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Muhawwis, director of Civil Defense in Madinah.
He said the danger still persisted and the state of emergency is continuing with all rescue arrangements in place.
The support center in Al-Ais and the shelter camps at Al-Faqaali are still functioning. "These forces could be used for rapid action in emergencies," Al-Muhawwis said.
There were also tremors measuring 3.1 and 3.4 on the Richter scale besides a number of minor tremors between noon Friday and noon Saturday, he said. The earthquakes may be related to subterranean volcanic activity.
All Saudis in Al-Faqaali shelter were transferred to Yanbu and Madinah. "The shelter is only a temporary camp for processing the papers before sending evacuees to hotels in the city of their choice," Col. Zuhair Subaihi, commander of the Civil Defense for Al-Ais, told Arab News.
