M6.0 Earthquake Near Fentale Volcano in Ethiopia: Impacts and Concerns

On February 14, 2025, a strong M6.0 earthquake struck near Fentale volcano, Ethiopia, at a shallow depth of 10 km. The quake was felt by approximately 45,000 people, and the USGS issued a Green alert due to low expected casualties. The ongoing seismic crisis has already prompted the evacuation of 80,000 residents due to risk factors such as potential dam failure and significant infrastructure damage.

A strong earthquake measuring M6.0 struck near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia on February 14, 2025, at 20:28 UTC, with a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles) reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located approximately 6.6 km (4.1 miles) north-northeast of Metahara, a town with a population of approximately 23,403, and about 26 km (16 miles) west of Awash, which has a population of around 11,415.

The seismic event was reportedly felt by an estimated 45,000 individuals experiencing very strong shaking, while 37,000 experienced strong shaking and 147,000 felt moderate tremors. The USGS issued a Green alert indicating low chances of significant fatalities and economic losses; however, the region’s structures remain susceptible to earthquake-induced damage, particularly adobe blocks and informal construction types.

This earthquake constitutes the most significant seismic activity in the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis affecting the area since late December 2024. These quakes are attributed to magma movement in the Fentale volcanic complex situated within the Main Ethiopian Rift, prompting the government to evacuate residents from high-risk zones.

Approximately 80,000 individuals across the Oromiya and Afar regions have been affected, with governmental efforts focused on relocating residents to enhance safety. Previous earthquakes have resulted in damages to essential infrastructure such as homes, health centers, schools, and roads, with at least two injuries reported.

Concerns have emerged regarding expanding fissures near the Kesem/Sabure Dam due to these seismic activities. This dam, which is crucial for holding a large volume of water, could pose catastrophic risks in the event of structural integrity failure, potentially leading to significant flooding downstream and affecting hundreds of thousands of lives, despite its design accommodating earthquakes up to M5.6.

In conclusion, the M6.0 earthquake near Fentale volcano poses significant risks to the local population and infrastructure, spurring evacuations and government interventions. The potential impact on the Kesem/Sabure Dam adds to the urgency of the situation, as secondary hazards could exacerbate already vulnerable conditions for the affected communities. Continuous monitoring and preparedness are essential in mitigating risks associated with this ongoing seismic activity.

Original Source: watchers.news