5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Ethiopia Amid Recent Global Seismic Activity

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck Ethiopia on January 3, 2025, centered in Abomsa. The quake followed a series of seismic events in California and Alaska, including a 3.6-magnitude earthquake in Petrolia and a 4.7-magnitude earthquake near Cobb. The USGS recorded 128 felt reports for the Ethiopian earthquake and significant reports for others, indicating widespread tremors.

On January 3, 2025, a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 was reported in Ethiopia, as per information from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake’s epicenter was located in Abomsa, approximately 56 kilometers southeast of the town, and it occurred at a depth of 10.0 kilometers (around 6.2 miles). At the time of the report, the USGS indicated that 128 individuals had submitted accounts of feeling the tremor.

Earlier on the same day, California experienced a 3.6-magnitude earthquake centered in Petrolia at a depth of 3.6 kilometers (approximately 2.3 miles). This event was followed by a 3.2-magnitude aftershock nearly three hours later. Additionally, this sequence of seismic activity follows a 4.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Cobb, California, on January 1, which had a depth of 1.1 kilometers (roughly 0.7 miles) and elicited 837 reports of felt tremors.

The seismic events in California also relate back to a prior 3.3-magnitude earthquake that was recorded in Alaska on December 30, originating from Nikolski at a depth of 39.5 kilometers (approximately 25 miles). An earlier 3.3-magnitude event occurred in Fort Bidwell, California, on the same day, at a depth of 3.4 kilometers (around 2.1 miles). Notably, these quakes are part of a larger series of seismic activity, including a significant 6.7-magnitude earthquake that occurred in the Kuril Islands on December 27, which was recorded at a depth of 162.6 kilometers (approximately 101 miles).

This report highlights a series of notable seismic occurrences across different locations, specifically focusing on a 5.8-magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia. The USGS plays a crucial role in monitoring and reporting seismic activities globally. Earthquakes are characterized by their magnitude, depth, and location, all of which significantly contribute to their impact and the community’s response. Historical data indicates that patterns of seismic activity can often cluster, leading to multiple earthquakes over a short period, as seen in both California and Alaska recently.

The seismic activity reported on January 3, 2025, underscores the ongoing nature of earthquakes affecting various regions around the globe, notably Middle Eastern and western United States areas. The 5.8-magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia marks a significant event, coinciding with multiple smaller tremors in California and Alaska. Analysis of these tectonic movements is vital for understanding their implications for safety and preparedness, especially in regions prone to frequent seismic activity.

Original Source: www.iheart.com