5.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Central Ethiopia, Felt in Addis Ababa

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck central Ethiopia, notably felt in Addis Ababa, prompting evacuations. The epicenter was located northeast of Awash, occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers. Initial reports indicate no significant damage or injuries, but assessments are ongoing, and aftershocks are expected.

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck central Ethiopia, impacting the capital city of Addis Ababa, where residents in high-rise buildings evacuated their homes for several hours. The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles) northeast of Awash, occurring at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles). The tremor was widely felt across central Ethiopia, although initial reports indicate no significant damage or injuries. Damage assessments may take several hours, particularly in remote regions, while aftershocks are anticipated in the following days. Authorities may temporarily suspend transportation services in the affected zones to inspect for potential damage, leading to minor disruptions; however, operations are expected to resume swiftly if no issues are identified. Utility outages may occur, especially in proximity to the earthquake’s epicenter.

Ethiopia is located in a tectonically active region where seismic activities frequently occur. The capital, Addis Ababa, experiences various geological events due to its positioning on the East African Rift. Earthquakes of moderate magnitude, such as the one reported, can cause significant public concern as residents may evacuate buildings and may experience fear of aftershocks. Understanding the geological context and the preparedness of local authorities is essential for evaluating the event’s impact and ensuring public safety during such occurrences.

In summary, a 5.0 magnitude earthquake recently affected central Ethiopia, particularly Addis Ababa, prompting residents to evacuate in response to the shaking. While initial assessments have reported no injuries or severe damage, authorities will conduct thorough examinations of the area. The potential for aftershocks and temporary infrastructural shutdowns may cause minor inconveniences. It remains critical for residents and authorities to remain vigilant following such seismic events, ensuring safety and readiness for future occurrences.

Original Source: apanews.net