A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Afar region on March 16, 2025. The earthquake, occurring at a depth of 10 km, affected thousands, although the USGS assessed the risk for casualties as low. This event is part of an ongoing crisis linked to the Dofen volcano, which has seen increased seismic activity since December 2024, prompting mass evacuations and concerns regarding local infrastructure.
On March 16, 2025, a strong earthquake measuring M5.5 struck the Afar region of Ethiopia at 18:53 UTC. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the event occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) corroborated these findings regarding magnitude and depth.
The earthquake’s epicenter was identified to be 46 km south of Awash, 63.8 km south-southwest of Metahara, and 55.5 km east of the Dofen volcano. It is estimated that about 6,000 people experienced severe shaking, while an additional 26,000 felt very strong shaking, 14,000 strong, and 30,000 moderate.
The USGS issued a Green alert suggesting low likelihood for casualties and economic losses due to the earthquake. However, the local population predominantly resides in structures that can be vulnerable to such seismic events, with prevalent building types including informal and adobe construction.
Subsequent to the M5.5 earthquake, an aftershock of magnitude M4.3 was recorded at 21:20 UTC on the same day, located 47 km SSE of Abomsa, also at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). This seismic activity is part of an ongoing crisis around the Dofen volcano that began on December 22, 2024, characterized by moderate to strong earthquakes and significant geological changes.
Mass evacuations have been ongoing since an M5.7 earthquake on January 4, 2025, which created large cracks in the area, displacing over 60,000 residents. Furthermore, a new volcanic vent opened near Mount Dofen, raising concerns regarding a potential volcanic eruption, as it would be the first of its kind historically for this volcano.
Concerns have also surfaced regarding the structural integrity of the Kesem/Sabure Dam situated downstream of the volcanic region, built to withstand earthquakes up to M5.6. Given the current seismic activity surpassing this threshold, experts warn that failure could lead to catastrophic flooding, posing a significant risk to the population.
Mount Dofen, at an elevation of 1,151 m, is situated within the Main Ethiopian Rift, an area acknowledged for its geological volatility, frequent earthquakes, eruptive activity, and ground deformation due to tectonic plate movements.
In summary, the M5.5 earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar region on March 16, 2025, highlights the risks posed by ongoing seismo-volcanic activity near the Dofen volcano. With significant local population exposure and the potential for further geological instability, especially regarding the Kesem/Sabure Dam, the situation demands careful monitoring and preparedness to mitigate harm to residents.
Original Source: watchers.news
