M6.0 Earthquake Near Fentale Volcano Raises Concerns in Ethiopia

An M6.0 earthquake struck near Fentale volcano, Ethiopia, on February 14, 2025, at a shallow depth of 10 km. Approximately 45,000 people experienced very strong tremors, leading to a Green alert for potential fatalities. The government is relocating high-risk populations due to ongoing seismic threats, while infrastructure damage and risks to local dams raise serious concerns for safety.

A significant earthquake measuring M6.0 occurred near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia on February 14, 2025, at 20:28 UTC. The earthquake struck at a shallow depth of 10 km, as reported by the USGS, and its epicenter was located 6.6 km NNE of Metahara and 26 km W of Awash. It was felt by approximately 45,000 individuals experiencing very strong shaking, with an additional 37,000 feeling strong and 147,000 moderate tremors.

The USGS has issued a Green alert for potential fatalities and economic losses related to this seismic event, although the likelihood of significant casualties is low. Most of the residential structures in the affected areas are vulnerable to earthquakes, particularly adobe block and informal constructions, despite some buildings being designed to withstand seismic activities. Recent seismic events in this region have triggered secondary hazards like landslides, exacerbating the risks posed by the earthquake.

This earthquake marks the most powerful in a series of seismic activities affecting the Fentale volcanic complex since December 2024, attributed to magma movement in the region. Approximately 80,000 residents in the Oromiya and Afar regions have been advised to evacuate due to the persistent threat, with government efforts underway to relocate at-risk populations to safer areas to prevent potential losses.

This sequence of earthquakes has resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, including homes, health facilities, schools, and roads, leading to injuries for at least two individuals. Furthermore, fissures appearing in the ground have raised alarms concerning the Kesem/Sabure dam, which, if compromised, could lead to catastrophic flooding affecting hundreds of thousands, despite its design to withstand earthquakes up to M5.6.

In summary, the recent M6.0 earthquake near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia highlights the ongoing seismic challenges in the region, exacerbated by previous volcanic activity and structural vulnerabilities. Urgent evacuation efforts are underway to protect the affected populations, while the risk of significant infrastructure damage and the potential for catastrophic consequences from local dams remain critical concerns.

Original Source: watchers.news