Some scientists are predicting a major quake in the Middle East Tunis – Azhar Jarboui Tunisia’s National Institute of Meteorology has recorded an earthquake registering 4.3 on the Richter scale, with an epicentre jolted the central province of Sidi Bouzid at 0649 hrs local time .Preliminary analysis reportedly indicated that the epicentre was located 13 kilometres north-west of Sidi Bouzid, on a 35.15 latitude and 9.44 longitude.
Geographically, Tunisia is not located on any major fault lines, which means significant seismic activity is rare. However the country has witnessed a series of jolts in recent years, including a quake in Beja in August, which resulted in no fatalities.
Meteorologists have meanwhile called for the development of a national emergency strategy, particularly in seismic zones such as Ghardimaou and Monastir, to prepare for the upshot of any future seismic activity in the country.