After a Tremor Hits the Nile River: Geological Survey Confirms No Indication of a Major Earthquake

The General Authority for Geological Research clarified that the recent tremor felt by residents in several areas of the Nile River State falls under what is scientifically known as “reservoir-induced earthquakes,” linked to the construction and operation of Merowe Dam and its artificial lake. The authority denied that the tremor resulted from widespread or unusual tectonic activity.

A statement issued by the authority indicated that residents of Aus, Al-Ashameen, Sour Island, and several surrounding villages and islands felt the tremor, accompanied by an audible sound—a phenomenon considered normal in shallow earthquakes. The statement emphasized that this pattern is similar to what occurs in Roseires Dam Lake during filling and draining operations.

The authority further noted that the Merowe Dam Lake area has experienced varying seismic activity since the reservoir began filling, recording more than 150 tremors between 2011 and 2019. While this activity is relatively high, it is known and continuously monitored scientifically.