Parts of Accra have been hit by an earth tremor, according to sources.

Reports say the quake hit areas in Gbawe, Sowutuom, Old Kasoa Barrier, New Bortianor, Awoshie, Abelemkpe, Tabora, Achimota, Ablekuma, Kissieman, Westland, Laterbiokorshie, Legon and McCarthy Hill around 11:30 PM Saturday evening.

“Lord have mercy ooo,” said a witness who said she felt the Earth beneath her rattle while at home.

The tremor is the fourth one experienced this year alone.

Last December, residents in Weija say they felt shakes powerful enough to sway buildings. Then days after the beginning of 2019, the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) reported that the earth trembled and measured 2.6 on the Richter Scale shortly after 5 PM on a calm Sunday.

Earthquakes are natural episodes that occur when rocks beneath ground break, causing sudden releases of energy described as seismic waves. When two rocks or plates rub against each other, they cause the ground to shake. In dire situations, buildings, bridges and other structures collapse.

GGSA has warned that the recent string of tremors could be the beginning of an explosive earthquake.

To alleviate the possibility of an irreversible disaster, Director-General of the GSA Alex Dodoo told the Ghana News Agency in December that Ghana would benefit from stress tests to ensure the integrity of buildings throughout the country.

“The audit of buildings, offices, malls, markets and places of worship and the issuance of a stress certificate to those who pass the test, would enhance confidence in the public,” he said.