Over 58,000 people from Afar and Oromia have been moved to temporary shelters due to earthquake threats. This was after an emergency meeting was held to discuss the seismic risks in Afar and one in Oromia.
Experts say the seismic activity is due to the formation of the Rift Valley. No volcanic eruption has occurred but underground smoke and hot water emissions were seen, according to the reports on thursday.
Since September 2024, the potential risks associated with earthquakes and tremors in regions of the Rift Valley have necessitated the government to give attention and take appropriate measures," said Temesgen Tiruneh, chairperson of the council & deputy prime minister of Ethiopia.
He stressed the need to prevent loss of life, property damage and infrastructure destruction and to provide shelter and care to those who are fleeing danger zones.
No human or animal has been reported dead but the repeated earthquakes have caused damage to roads, social service facilities and other infrastructure.
The government had earlier this week evacuated people in the aftermath of earthquakes that hit eastern parts of the country including Awash Fentale, Metahara and Abomsa. The tremors were above 5.0 in magnitude according to US Geological Survey (USGS).
The strongest one was 5.8 magnitude which hit on January 5 about 56 km south-southeast of Abomsa with an epicenter 10 km deep at 9.505°N and 40.169°E. USGS data shows at least 7 earthquakes in eastern Ethiopia in two days which is a big increase from the moderate tremors in the previous weeks.
The tremors were felt as far as Addis Ababa which is 190 km west of Abomsa. Emergency teams were dispatched to assess damages in 12 woredas in Afar, Oromia and Amhara regions.
To worsen the situation, a volcanic eruption was reported on Friday at Mount Dofan in Afar’s Dulecha district. Local officials are evacuating residents, according to the local reports.
Cracked roads and widening fissures in online videos are a clear indication of the seismic activity. Experts say the quakes are due to tectonic movements in the basaltic rocks in the region and warned of more activity.
Although major cities are not affected, the public is advised to follow the guidelines. The Ethiopian Government Communication Service said the intensity and frequency of the earthquakes are increasing and evacuations are prioritized for the most vulnerable ones.
The situation will be updated regularly on social services, infrastructure and economy through official channels.
