Saudi Geological Survey explains Al-Ais Tremors

Madinah, May 20, SPA -- The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS), explained
today that the SGS air inspection conducted recently at "Al Harrat
AS-Shaqqah" (Lava field) and the surrounding areas, revealed the
existence of what it described as ground groves at the seismic
activity area.

He also disclosed a remarkable increase in the number of earthquakes
to 46 yesterday; the most powerful earthquake recorded which hit the
area yesterday night was 5.39 degrees on the Richter Scale, while the
rest of the tremors ranged between 3 and 4.8 degrees.

In a statement issued here today, SGS said the earth tremor
measuring 4.81 on the Richter scale was at a depth of 7.7 km and
occurred at 9.38 am (local time) Tuesday morning and was felt by
residents in Al-Ais and its neighboring villages and that the tremor
was felt in Omlug, Yanbu and the northern districts of Madinah.


The SGS reassured the variables associated with this activity in
terms of the rise in temperature and concentration of radon gas in
some regions of volcanic area of "Al Harrat AS-Shaqqah."

Mayor of Al-Ais Ahmed Al-Buraiket said since the beginning of
the reporting of the occurrence of earthquakes at the center of
Al-Ais and neighboring area, it generated big interest interaction
among all concerned governmental bodies at Al Madinah Governorate.


--SPA