Ethiopia Evacuates Over 58,000 Residents Due to Imminent Earthquake Threats

Addis Ababa, Jan 10 (NationPress) The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Council has disclosed that more than 58,000 residents have been relocated from the Afar and Oromia regions to temporary shelters due to the imminent threat of earthquakes in these areas.

This announcement came after an emergency meeting aimed at addressing the rising seismic risks affecting several districts, specifically two in Afar and another in Oromia.

A scientific assessment presented by specialists during the meeting linked the seismic activity to the development of the Rift Valley. Although no volcanic eruptions have taken place, experts highlighted incidents of underground smoke and hot water emissions, as reported by the Xinhua news agency citing the state-run Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) on Thursday.

Temesgen Tiruneh, the chairman of the council and deputy prime minister of Ethiopia, stated, “Since September 2024, the potential risks related to earthquakes and tremors in the Rift Valley regions have required the government’s attention and appropriate actions.”

He emphasized the necessity of preventing loss of lives, damage to property, and harm to infrastructures while providing essential shelter and care for those fleeing hazardous areas.

Although there have been no reported casualties among humans or animals, Tiruneh confirmed that the frequent earthquakes have caused considerable damage to social service facilities, roads, and other infrastructures.

Earlier this week, the Ethiopian government announced it had coordinated evacuations in response to a series of earthquakes that have devastated the eastern regions of the country.

Recent tremors have affected areas near Awash Fentale, Metahara, and Abomsa towns, with magnitudes often surpassing five, according to data from the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The most powerful quake, measuring 5.8, struck on January 5, located 56 km south-southeast of Abomsa at a depth of 10 km and coordinates 9.505° N latitude and 40.169° E longitude, according to the USGS.

Data from the USGS indicated that at least seven earthquakes have impacted eastern Ethiopia within the past two days, marking a noticeable increase in intensity compared to previous weeks’ moderate tremors.

The tremors were felt as far away as Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, approximately 190 km west of Abomsa. The government has deployed emergency teams, including specialists from various fields, to evaluate damage across 12 localities in Afar, Oromia, and Amhara regions.

The Ethiopian Government Communication Service reported a surge in both the intensity and frequency of recent earthquakes, assuring that the government is organizing evacuations and prioritizing the relocation of vulnerable populations in the affected areas.

Compounding the crisis, a volcanic eruption was reported on Friday at Mount Dofan in the Dulecha district of Afar. Local authorities are actively working to safeguard residents, as noted by the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate.

Online videos have revealed cracked asphalt roads and widening fissures, highlighting the repercussions of the seismic activity. Experts have attributed the quakes to ongoing tectonic movements within the region's basaltic rock formations, cautioning that such occurrences may continue.

While major urban areas have not experienced significant damage, officials have urged the public to adhere to safety protocols. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation's effects on social services, infrastructure, and the economy, promising regular updates through official communication channels.