LOOMING EARTHQUAKE THREATENS ETHIOPIA’S CITIZENS, FORCING OVER 58,000 TO RELOCATE

Fri 10 January 2025:

The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Council has announced that more than 58,000 citizens have been relocated from Afar and Oromia regions to temporary shelters due to the threat of earthquakes in the areas.

The announcement followed an emergency meeting to address the looming seismic risks that have been impacting various districts, two in Afar and another in Oromia, the state-run Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported on Thursday.

A scientific analysis presented by experts during the meeting attributed the seismic activity to the formation of the Rift Valley. While no volcanic eruptions have occurred, experts noted instances of underground smoke and hot water emissions.

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“Since September 2024, the potential risks associated with earthquakes and tremors in regions of the Rift Valley have necessitated the government to give attention and take appropriate measures,” the ENA quoted Temesgen Tiruneh, chairman of the council and deputy prime minister of Ethiopia, as saying.

“In the course of these measures, it is important to prevent the loss of lives, destruction of property, and damage to infrastructures,” Tiruneh said, stressing the need to provide necessary shelter and care to those fleeing from danger areas.

Although there have been no reported casualties among humans or animals, Tiruneh confirmed that the frequent earthquakes have caused significant damage to social service facilities, roads, and other infrastructure.

In late 2024, Ethiopia experienced a series of significant seismic events, particularly in the Awash Fentale area of the Afar Region. Between September 27 and November 2, an earthquake swarm of 17 quakes with magnitudes above 4.0 was recorded. The strongest, a magnitude 5.2 quake, struck northeast of Awash at a depth of approximately 10 km, causing shaking felt across central Ethiopia.

On October 6, a magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred near Metehara in the Oromia Region, followed by a magnitude 4.6 quake on October 13 south of Awash. These events contributed to growing concerns among residents.

A second swarm began on December 23, comprising 87 earthquakes exceeding magnitude 4.0, predominantly around Mount Fentale. The most powerful, a magnitude 5.7 quake, struck north of Awash on January 4, 2025.

These seismic activities led to the destruction of over 50 homes, several schools, and shops, with additional damage to infrastructure in the Awash Fentale-Dulecha area. Ground cracks were also reported, exacerbating the situation.

The Ethiopian Geological Institute continues to monitor the situation closely, assessing potential risks associated with ongoing seismic and volcanic activities in the region.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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