4.9 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Ethiopia, Felt in the Capital

A 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Ethiopia on Sunday evening, centered in Awash Fentale. The tremor, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, was felt in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas. No significant damage was reported, and recent minor seismic activities have also raised awareness about the geological risks in the region.

On Sunday evening, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Ethiopia, with a depth of 10 kilometers, centered in the Awash Fentale region, approximately 165 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. Reports from the Government Communication Services confirmed the occurrence, which took place around 9:00 PM local time. The tremors were felt in the capital, Addis Ababa, as well as in Metehara to the southeast and Kombolcha in the north. The seismic event was noted by “Volcano Discovery,” which listed it among ten significant earthquakes that occurred globally within the past 24 hours, including events in Canada and the United States. The epicenter was geographically located at 9.1287°N latitude and 40.3209°E longitude within the Harari region. Preliminary seismic data suggest that many nearby residents likely experienced the quake; however, it was not expected to result in substantial damage aside from minor incidents such as falling objects and broken windows. In contrast to the Ethiopian government’s report, “Volcano Discovery” indicated that the earthquake happened in Harari, approximately 41 kilometers northwest of Gelemso, Oromiya, and that it occurred around 8:10 PM, Addis Ababa time. The site characterized the tremors as moderate in intensity. Recent government communications acknowledged a series of minor tremors leading up to the earthquake, with officials expressing anticipation of no severe consequences. This comes in the wake of Ethiopia’s struggles with severe landslides in various regions, which have resulted in over 300 fatalities in recent months.

The significance of this earthquake is notable, as it occurred in a region already facing geological challenges, including unprecedented landslides that have led to loss of life. Earthquake occurrence in Ethiopia is not unusual, but the recent series of seismic activities, including this particular incident, has raised public and government attention to the potential threats posed by geological instability. The contrasting reports between governmental and third-party organizations like “Volcano Discovery” highlight the complexities in reporting and assessing seismic occurrences in the region.

Overall, the recent 4.9 magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia highlights the country’s vulnerability to geological disturbances. While the event did not result in significant damage, the tremors experienced serve as a reminder of the broader geological challenges faced by the region. The contrast in reporting underscores the need for accurate and timely information dissemination in response to such natural events.

Original Source: borkena.com