Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake Hits Ethiopia, Epicenter Near Addis Ababa

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Ethiopia on January 4, with its epicenter near Addis Ababa, at a shallow depth of 10 km. No reports of casualties have been documented thus far.

On January 4, a seismic event measuring 5.8 in magnitude occurred in Ethiopia, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) alongside the German Research Centre for Geosciences. The earthquake’s epicenter was pinpointed to be approximately 88 miles (142 kilometers) east of the capital city, Addis Ababa, and struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). As of the latest updates, there are no immediate indications of casualties or damage resulting from the quake.

Earthquakes are common geological events that occur due to the movement of tectonic plates. The magnitude of an earthquake is determined using a logarithmic scale, where each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude. Ethiopia, situated in a tectonically active region, is prone to such seismic activities. Shallow earthquakes, like the recent one recorded, typically result in more significant ground shaking, potentially leading to greater destruction, depending on their location relative to populated areas.

In conclusion, the magnitude 5.8 earthquake that struck Ethiopia is significant yet appears to have not resulted in immediate reports of casualties or damage. Monitoring and assessment by various geological institutions are essential in understanding the implications of this event and ensuring the ongoing safety of the affected regions.

Original Source: en.mehrnews.com