Ho, Jan. 18, GNA - Though a ruse, rumours of an impending earthquake in the country in the early hours of Monday showed how Ghanaians would respond to early warning to such disasters. It also showed how useful the telephony system could be in reducing casualties in the event of any such disasters.

By 2200 hours on Sunday when the alarm bell of mobile phones begun ringing with the information of an impending earthquake across the country, relatives and friends quickly reached their loved ones with the message to quit their rooms and find safety in open spaces away from high tension poles.

Between 0300 hours and 0500 people were seen running or doing one thing or the other for their survival or helping others survive. At the Ho SSNIT Flats people ran the stairs as fast as their feet could carry them, some with their children, entire families and some belongings. Despite the panic created, there were others who either did not hear or just ignored the alarm as illogical and a scam. The incident however ensured punctuality to work and school as people woke up much earlier than they normally did.