Civil Defense specialists have detected two deep rifts of three kilometers and 700 meters in length close to the epicenter of earth tremors in Harrat Al-Shaqa in the region of Madina. The rifts were observed from the air by a team of inspection experts who said that no emissions were detected. Civil Defense officials say the situation may return to normal soon but they will wait for a period of stability before passing judgment. The Saudi Geological Survey, Saudi Arabia's authority in charge of monitoring and controlling seismological activity in the country, said in a statement Saturday that seismic activity in Harrat Al-Shaqa had begun to decline in strength and frequency. It said the volcanic activity at Harrat Al-Shaqa, which showed unprecedented activity over the last 30 days, registered recent remarkable fall in terms of number and strength. In a press statement, the authority said only three minor quakes were registered during the last 24 hours measuring about 3 points on the Richter scale. The statement said nobody felt or reported the shocks neither of which exposed in volcanic vapor. Meanwhile, Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Majed Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Madina Region, assured all help to those affected by the recent tremors in the region. He said preparations have been made to provide services for citizens in Yanbu governorate and its centers recently hit by a number of tremors. The Emir issued a press statement after presiding over a meeting of the committee of Civil Defense in Yanbu Industrial City on Thursday evening, assuring all possible steps to help the citizens. The Emir said King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz have issued their directives for supporting the region and for taking all necessary preparations to ensure the convenience of citizens in evacuated and accommodating areas as well as regions hit by the earthquakes. Meanwhile, Prince Saud Bin Thuneiyan, President of the Royal Commission of Jubail and Yanbu and Chairman of SABIC, has said that no Royal Commission or Sabic facilities at Yanbu Industrial City have been affected by the earth tremors centered around the region of Al-Eis. He said production at Sabicand all plants at Yanbu Industrial City was unaffected by the tremors, and that work was continuing as normal with the normal expected output. – With reports from Khaled Al-Shalalhi and Ali Al
