Eruption Concerns Rise Following Earthquakes Near Fentale Volcano, Ethiopia

A surge in seismic activity near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia is raising eruption concerns. Earthquakes of magnitudes 4.3 to 5.1 have been recorded, indicating a possible magma intrusion. The region’s seismic history makes local residents vulnerable, and authorities have cautioned about the heightened risk of an eruption, urging preparedness for potential evacuations.

In recent days, seismic activity near the Fentale volcano in Ethiopia’s Main Ethiopian Rift region has intensified, generating concerns regarding a potential volcanic eruption. Earthquakes measuring between magnitudes 4.3 and 5.1 have been documented, with the most significant event occurring on December 29, 2024, at 22:20 UTC, registering M5.1. This earthquake’s epicenter was recorded approximately 46 kilometers north of Metahara. According to volcanologist Tom Pfeiffer, the increase in seismicity suggests a potential magma intrusion beneath the surface, raising the risk of an eruption in this active tectonic region.

The Fentale volcano last erupted in 1820 and is indicative of the volcanism associated with the East African Rift System, a geologically active zone formed by the divergence of the Nubia and Somalia tectonic plates. The Main Ethiopian Rift has a history of seismic events occurring at shallow depths, often linked to underlying magmatic activity. Approximately 3.4 million people inhabit the regions surrounding Fentale, including Metahara and Awash, making them vulnerable to both earthquakes and potential volcanic eruptions.

The series of earthquakes near the Fentale volcano highlights an urgent need for vigilance among local residents due to the potential for a volcanic eruption stemming from shallow magma intrusions. Authorities are advised to monitor the situation closely and prepare for possible evacuations if the seismic activity continues to escalate. The Fentale region’s significant seismic history and local geological characteristics underscore the importance of public awareness and readiness in the face of possible volcanic threats.

Original Source: watchers.news