On January 4, 2025, a magnitude-5.8 earthquake hit Ethiopia, particularly near Addis Ababa. Following this, Mount Dofan Volcano erupted, prompting evacuations of local residents. Geological experts predict potential increases in seismic activity, raising concerns regarding the impacts on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam amid ongoing disputes over water rights with Egypt and Sudan.
On January 4, 2025, a magnitude-5.8 earthquake struck Ethiopia, particularly affecting areas near Abomsa and Amhara in the region close to Addis Ababa. The earthquake, which had an epicenter at a depth of 10 kilometers, was reported by both the Ethiopian Geological Institute and the US Geological Survey (USGS). Earthquake research conducted by various scientists indicated that this series of seismic activity may continue to escalate in intensity, with predictions of even larger tremors following the initial quake.
In conjunction with the earthquake, Mount Dofan Volcano in the Afar region has erupted and significant ground cracking has been observed. Consequently, Ethiopian authorities have ordered the evacuation of thousands of residents to temporary shelters to ensure their safety. Abbas Sheraqi, a geologist at Cairo University, expressed concerns regarding the ongoing seismic activity, noting the potential for increased volcanic eruptions that could endanger surrounding areas, particularly near the densely populated Fentale region.
Sheraqi elaborated on the possible implications for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), emphasizing the importance of its water supply for downstream countries. Egypt and Sudan, which rely on the Nile’s waters, have been engaged in prolonged negotiations with Ethiopia over the dam’s operation, aiming to secure agreements that protect their water rights. However, past negotiations have failed due to Ethiopia’s unwillingness to accept proposed solutions that address the interests of all parties involved.
This chain of recent geological events has heightened regional tensions as nations continue to navigate the complexities surrounding water rights and environmental safety.
Ethiopia’s geological landscape is characterized by significant volcanic and seismic activity due to its location along the East African Rift. The GERD has been a point of contention among Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan, as it is expected to significantly alter water flow in the Nile River, which is critical for the livelihoods of millions. Despite years of negotiations aimed at mitigating potential conflicts, disputes have persisted, prompting concerns from neighboring countries regarding the ramifications of Ethiopia’s unilateral actions regarding the dam’s operation.
The recent magnitude-5.8 earthquake in Ethiopia, coupled with volcanic activity, poses serious risks to local populations and may exacerbate tensions between Ethiopia and its downstream neighbors, Egypt and Sudan. The continued geological instability indicates the potential for even larger seismic events, reinforcing the urgency for comprehensive agreements regarding water management and environmental safety within the Nile River basin.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
