Ethiopia experienced a magnitude 5.8 earthquake on Saturday, with a shallow depth and an epicenter east of Addis Ababa. This quake follows a magnitude 5.5 tremor and numerous smaller earthquakes in recent days. Authorities are concerned about potential disasters, particularly in the Awash Fentale region, and are taking steps to relocate at-risk individuals to safer areas amid increasing seismic activity.
On Saturday, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Ethiopia, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in collaboration with the German Research Centre for Geosciences. The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 42 kilometers east of the capital, Addis Ababa, and occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. This significant quake followed a magnitude 5.5 tremor on Friday and over 30 minor earthquakes in the preceding week, signaling increasing seismic activity in the region.
The recent geological events have raised alarms regarding a potential disaster, particularly in the Awash Fentale area, located about 230 kilometers from Addis Ababa. Local residents have expressed increasing concern as the region has been subject to a multitude of smaller tremors, which has led to unrest among the populace. Advocating for public safety, regional administrator Abdu Ali has indicated that efforts are underway to relocate at-risk residents to safer locations, as the tremors become more intense and frequent, with significant movement felt even in Addis Ababa overnight.
Ethiopia lies within the East African Rift, a tectonic boundary that often experiences seismic and volcanic activity. The region is prone to earthquakes due to the movement of tectonic plates. In recent years, there has been a noticeable uptick in seismic events, raising concerns amongst the population and local authorities about the risks posed to communities. Efforts to monitor and respond to such geological activities are critical to ensure public safety and preparedness, especially in densely populated areas near the epicenters of these quakes.
In summary, the recent magnitude 5.8 earthquake and the persistent tremors in Ethiopia highlight the growing concern regarding seismic activity in the region. The authorities are taking precautionary measures, including the relocation of vulnerable residents, to mitigate potential consequences of these geological disturbances. As the situation develops, continuous monitoring and proactive strategies will be essential to ensure community safety.
Original Source: www.khaleejtimes.com
