Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Hits Ethiopia, Heightening Volcanic Eruption Fears

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia, prompting concerns over volcanic eruptions. Occurring at a depth of 10 km, it follows a series of minor tremors and an eruption at Mount Dofan. Local authorities are relocating at-risk residents amidst fears of a larger disaster.

On Friday, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia, as reported by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre and the Jerusalem Post. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles). Earlier that same day, Anadolu Ajansi reported a volcanic eruption at Mount Dofan in central Ethiopia, where the region has been experiencing a series of minor seismic activities.

These recurring tremors have heightened fears of a significant geological disaster in the Awash Fentale area, located nearly 230 kilometers (142 miles) from Addis Ababa. Residents are increasingly apprehensive as they have recorded over a dozen minor earthquakes in recent weeks. In response to the situation, Regional Administrator Abdu Ali has asserted that local authorities are working to prevent possible casualties by relocating residents from areas deemed at risk, according to a report from state-owned Fana Broadcasting Corporation.

The tremors appear to be intensifying, with the most recent ones being felt even in Addis Ababa overnight, further increasing the sense of urgency among officials and residents alike.

In recent years, Ethiopia has faced various geological challenges, particularly due to its location in the East African Rift, where tectonic activity is prevalent. This region has a history of both earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, contributing to concerns about the safety of local populations during seismic events. Understanding the geological patterns and potential volcanic activity is crucial given that frequent tremors can precede larger seismic occurrences or eruptions.

The recent 5.5 magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia, alongside growing volcanic activity at Mount Dofan, has raised significant concerns regarding potential disasters in the region. With heightened seismic activity and local authorities responding by relocating residents, the situation is being closely monitored as residents continue to feel tremors. The ongoing geological instability demands both vigilance and preparedness to mitigate risks faced by those in affected areas.

Original Source: www.dynamitenews.com