Significant Earthquake and Tremors Cause Alarm in Ethiopia

Ethiopia experienced a magnitude 5.8 earthquake near Addis Ababa, following a 5.5 quake just a day prior. The epicenter was 42 km from the capital, at a depth of 10 km. The region reported over 30 smaller earthquakes and a volcanic eruption, raising concerns about potential disasters. Authorities are relocating residents to safer areas to prevent casualties.

On Saturday, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred in Ethiopia, as reported by both the U.S. Geological Survey and the German Research Centre for Geosciences. The quake, which had an epicenter located approximately 42 kilometers east of Addis Ababa, struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. This significant seismic event follows a magnitude 5.5 earthquake on Friday and over 30 smaller tremors reported in the past week, indicating potential instability in the region.

Additionally, earlier in the day, Anadolu Ajansi reported a volcanic eruption at Mount Dofan, situated at the center of Ethiopia. The continuous tremors in the Awash Fentale region, located around 230 kilometers from the capital, have raised alarms regarding possible disasters among the local population. Concern has grown following the occurrence of more than a dozen minor earthquakes in recent weeks, leading to heightened awareness among residents.

Regional administrator Abdu Ali has informed that governmental authorities are actively working to mitigate the impact of these seismic activities by relocating individuals at risk to safer locations. Reports indicate that these tremors are progressively becoming more robust, with residents in Addis Ababa experiencing the latest quake overnight. Such tremors have raised significant concerns regarding public safety and emergency preparedness protocols in the affected areas.

Ethiopia is situated in a seismically active region characterized by frequent tectonic events, with a history of earthquakes and volcanic activity. The recent occurrences in and around the capital, Addis Ababa, are significant as they potentially indicate heightened geological unrest. Local authorities are compelled to take preventive measures to safeguard the population amid increasing seismic activity, particularly pertinent in regions vulnerable to disaster, such as Awash Fentale.

In summary, the magnitude 5.8 earthquake that struck Ethiopia, alongside a series of smaller tremors and a volcanic eruption, has raised serious concerns about public safety in the region, particularly in the context of disaster preparedness and response. Authorities have initiated efforts to relocate at-risk residents, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in such a seismically active area. The situation continues to evolve and warrants close monitoring by relevant governmental and geological institutions.

Original Source: www.khaleejtimes.com