Panic and Destruction as Powerful Earthquake Strikes Ethiopia’s Afar Region

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Afar region on Sunday, causing panic and destruction, especially among the sparse infrastructure. Epicenter located 45 km north of Awash City, the earthquake’s effects reached areas including Addis Ababa. Emergency response is challenged due to limited access, complicating aid efforts amidst existing drought conditions.

On Sunday, a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 struck the Afar region in northeastern Ethiopia, leading to widespread panic and destruction among local residents. The earthquake’s epicenter was identified approximately 45 kilometers north of Awash City, an area noted for its geological instability. This seismic event occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, making it felt in various parts of the country, including the capital, Addis Ababa.

Unfortunately, Ethiopia has witnessed a series of earthquakes in recent weeks, with a notable prior event—a 5.2 magnitude quake—occurring on February 23, near Adigrat city. Earlier this month, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Metahara city, albeit without significant damage due to its epicenter’s location. While Ethiopia is less seismically active than other regions, the Afar area is situated within the East African Rift, making it susceptible to seismic activities.

The sparse infrastructure in Afar has complicated emergency response efforts, hindering access to the most affected villages, which are grappling with outages in communication and electricity. In response, the national government has mobilized additional resources, including medical teams and food supplies, although reaching remote areas may take considerable time. As the region is already dealing with severe drought conditions and resource shortages, the earthquake adds further urgency to the humanitarian crisis.

Authorities are advising citizens to remain vigilant, as aftershocks are anticipated in the following days. An assessment of the earthquake’s full impact is underway, with hopes for a comprehensive evaluation once rescue operations continue.

This incident highlights the precarious nature of the Afar region, underscoring the necessity of preparedness and resilience amidst geological vulnerabilities.

In summary, the powerful earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar region has sparked significant concern among residents, compounded by existing challenges such as drought and limited resources. Emergency response efforts are presently hindered due to infrastructural deficiencies. The situation remains critical as authorities prepare for potential aftershocks while assessing the extent of the damage. Swift action by the government and aid organizations will be essential in addressing the humanitarian implications of this natural disaster.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke