A 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Ethiopia on Sunday night, felt in the capital and nearby areas. Confirmed by the Government Communication Services, the earthquake occurred in Awash Fentale at a depth of 10 kilometers, causing minor damages. Discrepancies in reports regarding the time and location of the incident have been noted, highlighting the need for effective disaster communication.
On Sunday evening, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Ethiopia, specifically in the Awash Fentale area, located approximately 165 kilometers southeast of the capital city, Addis Ababa. The event was confirmed by the Government Communication Services via a social media announcement. Reports indicated that the tremors were felt not only in Addis Ababa but also in surrounding regions, including Metehara to the southeast and Kombolcha in the north. The earthquake occurred at around 9 P.M. local time, with a recorded depth of 10 kilometers. According to data from “Volcano Discovery,” this earthquake was part of a series of significant seismic events observed globally within 24 hours, including major incidents in Canada and the United States. The organization’s report specified the latitude and longitude of the epicenter as 9.1287°N / 40.3209°E, situated in Harari, Ethiopia. It noted that the quake was likely felt by a substantial number of residents near the epicenter but suggested that the event did not result in considerable damage, aside from minor incidents such as falling objects and broken windows. Conversely, there was a discrepancy between the reports of the Ethiopian government and those from “Volcano Discovery,” which suggested that the seismic activity took place in Harari, around 41 kilometers northwest of Gelemso in Oromiya, and indicated a time of occurrence around 8:10 P.M. Addis Ababa time. “Volcano Discovery” characterized the shakes felt in adjacent areas as moderate. Additionally, the Ethiopian Government Communication Services issued alerts about minor earth shocks experienced in the days preceding the earthquake, projecting no significant threats beyond this event. It is also relevant to mention that Ethiopia has faced severe landslides in various regions over recent months, which have tragically claimed over 300 lives.
The occurrence of earthquakes in Ethiopia underscores the seismic activity in the region, which has been historically documented. The Awash Fentale area, specifically, is known for tectonic movements. It is essential to monitor such events, given their implications for public safety and infrastructure, especially considering the nation’s recent challenges with landslides that have resulted in significant casualties. This earthquake serves as a reminder of the need for preparedness and effective response strategies in the face of natural disasters prevalent in sovereign states.
The 4.9 magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia highlights the region’s seismic vulnerability and the effect of such natural occurrences on public safety. While the immediate reports indicate minimal damage, the discrepancies between official accounts suggest a need for clearer communication. Moreover, with the recent history of devastating landslides in Ethiopia, the government and residents must remain vigilant and prepared for potential future seismic activities.
Original Source: borkena.com
