Ethiopia is evacuating 80,000 residents following a series of earthquakes, with fears of accompanying volcanic activity. The largest quake measured 5.8 magnitude, prompting emergency responses and ongoing evaluations of structural integrity in affected areas. The government is focused on safeguarding residents and enhancing infrastructure resilience amid rising seismic events.
Ethiopia’s government has initiated an evacuation of roughly 80,000 residents due to a series of small-scale earthquakes that have struck the Afar, Oromia, and Amhara regions. A minimum of ten earthquakes have occurred since the previous Friday, leading to emerging fears of possible volcanic activity. The most recent earthquakes rattled the Awash Fentale district, straddling the Afar and Oromia regions, at 3:52 a.m. on Saturday. The United States Geological Survey documented a notable 5.8 magnitude earthquake situated approximately 56 kilometers southeast of Ambosa, Oromia. Professor Atalay Ayele, head of the Seismology Department at Addis Ababa University, confirmed that the epicenter was located within the Dofen Mountain region of Awash Fentale in Afar. Subsequent tremors, including a 4.7 magnitude quake just ten kilometers east of Awash, were reported hours later, contributing to local concerns amidst increasing seismic activity which has become notably widespread over the past two months.
Residents across several cities, including the capital Addis Ababa and its surrounding towns, reported feeling the impact. Though no casualties have been recorded, there have been reports of damage to numerous homes, particularly in the Afar region, where the earthquakes have notably displaced some residents. Ministerial statements have indicated above 51,000 residents are currently at risk, prompting ongoing efforts to evaluate damage and evacuate the most affected individuals, especially those prone in twelve kebeles.
The government continues to monitor signs indicative of volcanic activity following reports of smoke billowing from the Dofen volcano post tremor. “The government is closely monitoring the events with experts in the field,” the Ethiopian government stated. There are concerns regarding the structural integrity of many buildings in Ethiopia, especially in the capital, where experts urge campaign updates to safety regulations established in 1983. Engineering specialists have called for increased vigilance in infrastructure development given the increasing frequency of these seismic events. The authorities aim to enhance public infrastructure resilience while ensuring community awareness about risk mitigation strategies in active seismic zones.
Ethiopia is situated in a region characterized by tectonic activity, leading to seismic events and volcanic activity. Over the years, the country has experienced numerous earthquakes, prompting discussions about building codes and public safety. The current series of earthquakes has reignited concerns surrounding the structural integrity of buildings, particularly in urban centers like Addis Ababa. There is a pressing need for updated regulations and greater public awareness regarding earthquake preparedness and response, as the frequency and magnitude of seismic activities have notably increased. The situation has emphasized the importance of effective disaster management strategies and community involvement in risk reduction efforts.
In summary, Ethiopia’s ongoing evacuations and monitoring efforts in response to an upsurge in seismic activity highlight the urgent need for disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in earthquake-prone regions. The government has committed to safeguarding the affected populations while recognizing the challenge posed by aging building codes and the necessity for stricter adherence to modern safety standards. As citizens remain vigilant amidst these tremors, the emphasis on proactive measures and expert involvement will be crucial in mitigating the potential impacts of future seismic events.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
