A series of small-scale earthquakes has struck Ethiopia’s Afar, Oromia, and Amhara regions, prompting the government to evacuate approximately 80,000 people. Apexnewsgh reports
At least 10 earthquakes have been reported since Friday, with signs of possible volcanic activity raising concerns among authorities and residents.
The latest earthquakes shook the Awash Fentale district, which stretches between the Afar and Oromia regions, at 3:52 a.m. on Saturday. The United States Geological Survey recorded a 5.8-magnitude earthquake about 56 kilometers southeast of Ambosa, in the Oromia region.
Atalay Ayele, head of the Seismology Department at Addis Ababa University, confirmed that the epicenter was in the middle of Dofen Mountain, Awash Fentale district, in the Afar region. A second tremor, measuring 4.7, was reported hours later, about 10 kilometers east of Awash in the Afar region.
According to the federal government, the earthquakes are increasing in size and frequency, with data showing an earthquake measuring up to 5.8 on the Richter scale. The earthquake was felt in the capital, Addis Ababa, and cities such as Adama and Metehara, with residents living in condos and high-rise buildings also reporting feeling the tremors.
As many as two dozen quakes and aftershocks have been reported in Awash Fentale district since September, according to residents and officials. The frequent quakes have created a natural hot spring water crater in the Afar region, which is reportedly widening. While no casualties have been reported, the quakes have damaged dozens of homes in Afar.
The government has deployed emergency workers to assess the damage and evacuate the most vulnerable residents. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with experts in the field working to identify the epicenter of the earthquake and potential volcanic activity.
Fears of volcanic eruptions have been raised after smoke was seen coming from vents in the Dofen volcano, signaling potential volcanic activity.
The government has assured that it is making great efforts to identify the most vulnerable residents and evacuate them from the area, while also monitoring the possible impact of the earthquake on social service institutions, economic institutions, and infrastructure.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
