A M5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Afar region on March 16, 2025, with a depth of 10 km. The quake was felt by approximately 76,000 individuals, and a Green alert was issued due to low expected fatalities and damages. Ongoing seismic activity has resulted in evacuations and raised concerns regarding the Dofen volcano and local dam safety.
On March 16, 2025, a significant M5.5 earthquake struck the Afar region of Ethiopia, as recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake occurred at 18:53 UTC with a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) corroborated these findings, reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter of the earthquake was situated approximately 46 kilometers south of Awash, 63.8 kilometers south-southwest of Metahara, and 55.5 kilometers east of the Dofen volcano. The earthquake was felt by around 6,000 individuals who experienced severe shaking, while 26,000 reported very strong shaking, 14,000 strong shaking, and 30,000 moderate shaking.
The USGS issued a Green alert, indicating a low likelihood of fatalities and economic damages as a result of the earthquake. However, the buildings in the region remain vulnerable to seismic activity, particularly informal constructions and adobe block buildings, despite the existence of some resistant structures.
Following the mainshock, a moderate aftershock at M4.3 was recorded at 21:20 UTC, located 47 kilometers south-southeast of Abomsa and also at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). This seismic activity is part of a persistent crisis affecting the Dofen volcano region since December 22, 2024, characterized by strong earthquakes, extensive ground fissures, and the emergence of a significant volcanic vent.
In response to the seismic threats, mass evacuations commenced after a prior M5.7 earthquake on January 4, 2025, which resulted in large structural cracks. Over 60,000 residents have been displaced due to these developments. Concerns regarding potential eruptions from Mount Dofen, which may release hazardous materials, raised alarm, as the volcano has never erupted in recorded history. The Ethiopian Geological Institute noted that volcanic mudflows hindered ongoing evacuation efforts.
Structural integrity issues also arose concerning the Kesem/Sabure Dam, which is located downstream. Initially engineered to withstand earthquakes up to M5.6, recent seismic activities have exceeded this threshold, raising alarms about potential catastrophic flooding that could jeopardize the safety of hundreds of thousands of residents.
Mount Dofen, standing at an elevation of 1,151 meters (3,776 feet), is situated within the Main Ethiopian Rift, a tectonically active zone characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to ongoing plate divergence and magma movements beneath the Earth’s surface.
The M5.5 earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar region highlights the ongoing seismic and volcanic activity near the Dofen volcano, underscoring the vulnerability of local populations and infrastructure. The recent pattern of seismic events has led to large-scale evacuations and raised concerns regarding potential volcanic eruptions and dam safety. Continuous monitoring and preparedness are essential to mitigate risks associated with these geological hazards.
Original Source: watchers.news
