NNA - Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Wednesday visited with an accompanying delegation the National Center for Geophysics in Bhannes, which is affiliated to the "National Council for Scientific Research". 

Mikati inspected the center's activity assessing seismic risks in Lebanon through scientific studies and seismic monitoring via the national network, which includes several stations spread across Lebanese territories and are linked to the main center.

In addition to land and sea studies of active fault lines, Mikati was briefed on the deformations of the earth's crust, and the measurement of the tidal level using two devices, one of which is linked to the tsunami warning network in the Mediterranean. 

“These equipment can confirm the occurrence of an earthquake and its location to warn people, but what is certain and what science says is that no one can predict when an earthquake or tremor may occur,” Mikati said. 

"This visit has been an opportunity to check whether there was a shortage of equipment. I’ve also seized the opportunity to congratulate the supervisors of the center for their presence, perseverance, and follow-up on the smallest details monitoring tremors and aftershocks. The Disaster Risk Management unit has accompanied us on this visit seeking the means to establish full cooperation with this center. We’ve also agreed on the means to deal with an earthquake,” Mikati added. 

“The Disaster Risk Management unit has taken all the necessary measures, and it has put in place all the required mechanisms to protect citizens. We’ve agreed to conduct experiments on the ground in a number of governorates to make sure that these theories are applicable ones, coupled with our constant prayers that God spare our country from disasters,” Mikati concluded. 

=============R.H.