A 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit near Oromiya, Ethiopia, on Friday night, with over 250,000 locals feeling the tremors. The earthquake raised evacuation concerns as volcanic activity risks escalate, prompting the evacuation of about 80,000 residents. No immediate injuries or fatalities have been reported, but damage assessments are ongoing amidst fears of future eruptions.
A significant earthquake of magnitude 6.0 struck near the highly populated Oromiya region in Ethiopia on Friday night, affecting over 250,000 residents. The tremor occurred at approximately 11:28 p.m. local time and was recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). The epicenter was located approximately 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) north-northeast of Metahāra, close to the active Fentale volcano, which has been experiencing volcanic and seismic activity since late December.
Following the earthquake, concerns have escalated due to additional seismic activity in the area, coinciding with the awakening of what was once a dormant volcano. As a result, approximately 80,000 individuals have been evacuated from the vicinity. The repeated tremors since December have prompted fears of a volcanic eruption, compelling government authorities to prioritize resident safety amid threats posed by imminent volcanic eruptions.
Friday’s earthquake sent shockwaves through Oromiya and nearby regions, with many residents reporting strong vibrations during the late evening hours. Some people expressed their anxiety about escaping safely, given significant rifts that have emerged along major transport routes. A resident, Ado Ali, described the experience: “We heard a big noise from the ground; it sounds like a gun salute. Our animals get shocked. We were praying to get out safely.”
Increased seismic activity has raised alarms among locals who live near Fentale volcano. Resident Hassan Kamil expressed concern about the rapidly forming rifts near the mountain: “Dofan Mountain is the one behind me, and Fentale is the one in front of me; the rift created following the earthquake is now going from Dofan to Fentale Mountain… there are more than 10 in this place in Seganto Kebele alone.”
At the time of reporting, there have been no confirmed injuries or fatalities from the earthquake. However, neighboring regions previously affected by earlier earthquakes have seen extensive structural damage. While damage assessments for Friday night’s tremor are ongoing, authorities remain vigilant regarding potential threats from the all-important Fentale volcano that looms above the affected areas.
Ethiopia’s Oromiya region is the most populated, housing around 500,000 residents, many of whom have endured a series of earthquakes since late December 2024, resulting in the displacement of millions. Friday’s tremor marked the strongest event in this ongoing seismic swarm, which has elicited evacuation orders due to fears of volcanic activity. Officials have reiterated the importance of evacuating for those who have yet to do so, highlighting the urgency amidst rising concerns of a potential eruption.
The recent 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia’s Oromiya region has intensified ongoing fears of volcanic eruptions and prompted extensive evacuations. With over 250,000 residents experiencing the tremors and authorities urging remaining individuals to evacuate, the situation remains critical. Although injuries have not been reported, prior seismic activity has inflicted significant damage on local infrastructure. As the potential for further instability grows, authorities will continue to prioritize the safety of the affected populations.
Original Source: www.thetravel.com
