Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Hits Ethiopia Amid Volcanic Eruption
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck northern Ethiopia on Friday alongside a volcanic eruption, following months of heightened seismic activity. The eruption occurred near Segento in the Afar region, prompting evacuations. No injuries have been reported, but over 30 houses have collapsed due to the tremors, which residents described as increasingly violent.
On Friday, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck northern Ethiopia, coinciding with a significant volcanic eruption that followed months of increased seismic activity. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre reported this event, highlighting that there were no immediate reports of injuries. The volcanic eruption occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. local time near Segento in the Afar region, and while the smoke from the crater has ceased, lava continues to flow. Local authorities have evacuated residents and livestock from the affected areas, although specific numbers have not been provided. The US Geological Survey noted that since late September, over 67 earthquakes have been detected in this region, particularly in the Fantale area of the Great Rift Valley. Residents reported that the tremors have been increasingly frequent and severe, leading to the collapse of over 30 houses, with one individual stating that “Houses are collapsing day by day.”
Ethiopia is situated in a tectonically active region, characterized by the Great Rift Valley, which experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity. The recent magnitude 5.5 earthquake and volcanic eruption are significant events amidst ongoing geological instability in northern Ethiopia. Historically, such seismic occurrences can lead to substantial damage to infrastructure and may pose risks to the safety and well-being of local communities. The US Geological Survey has monitored the area closely, indicating rising concerns among residents and officials regarding the safety of their homes and lives given the current circumstances.
In summary, Ethiopia is currently grappling with the aftermath of a magnitude 5.5 earthquake that has coincided with a volcanic eruption in the Afar region. This seismic activity, characterized by increased frequency and intensity over recent months, has already resulted in structural damage and necessitated evacuations. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as residents express growing fears regarding their safety in an area prone to geological instability.
Original Source: news.az
