A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia, raising alarms due to concurrent volcanic eruptions and a series of minor tremors in the region. Authorities are working to safeguard residents by relocating those at risk. The increase in seismic activity highlights potential dangers facing the population in the Awash Fentale area.
On Friday, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia, as reported by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and subsequently covered by the Jerusalem Post. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles). Simultaneously, Anadolu Ajansi reported a volcanic eruption at Mount Dofan, located in central Ethiopia. This incident comes amidst a series of minor tremors in the region, heightening concerns about a potential significant disaster, particularly in the Awash Fentale area, approximately 142 miles from Addis Ababa.
In recent weeks, the Awash Fentale region has recorded more than a dozen minor earthquakes, which has led local residents to express increasing worry regarding their safety. In response to these incidents, Regional Administrator Abdu Ali stated that authorities are actively engaged in efforts to mitigate potential casualties by relocating residents who are deemed to be at risk to safer locations, as reported by the state-owned Fana Broadcasting Corporation. The tremors continue to escalate in intensity, with the latest being felt in Addis Ababa overnight, according to Ali.
The region of Ethiopia, particularly the Awash Fentale area, is prone to seismic activity and volcanism due to its geological features. Earthquakes can often signal underlying issues such as volcanic unrest. The ongoing seismic activity, coupled with reports of volcanic eruptions, raises significant public safety concerns. The local government and emergency services must take preventative actions to safeguard the population before any potential major disaster occurs.
In summary, the recent 5.5 magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia, coupled with volcanic activity at Mount Dofan, has intensified public concern regarding the potential for a larger disaster. The local government, recognizing the risk, is taking proactive measures by relocating residents to safer zones. Continued monitoring of seismic activities in the region is essential to ensure the safety of the population.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
