Seismic and Volcanic Activity in Northern Ethiopia Raises Concerns
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake hit northern Ethiopia on Friday, coinciding with a volcanic eruption. The quake, reported at 10 kilometers depth, sparked evacuations near Segento as lava flows persisted. Over 67 earthquakes have been recorded since late September, leading to infrastructure damage, including house collapses.
On Friday, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck northern Ethiopia, paired with a volcanic eruption after several months of seismic activity in the region, as reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and local media sources. This quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, approximately 55 kilometers northwest of Asbe Teferi, yet no injuries have been reported at this time.
Aden Bela, a local official, informed Ethiopian broadcaster EBC that the eruption ensued near Segento in the Afar region shortly after 5:30 a.m. local time. Although the volcanic crater had stopped emitting smoke, lava remains active, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents and livestock to ensure their safety.
Since late September, the US Geological Survey has detected over 67 earthquakes in the northern Ethiopian territory, particularly within the Fantale region of the Great Rift Valley. Residents have expressed growing concerns, with reports indicating that more than 30 houses have collapsed due to persistent and intense tremors, prompting a local inhabitant to state that “Houses are collapsing day by day.”
Ethiopia is situated along the East African Rift, a tectonic boundary known for significant geological activity, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Recent seismic activity in northern Ethiopia, particularly since late September, has raised alarm among residents, prompting evacuations and local government responses to protect the population. The interaction between the earthquake and volcanic activity indicates heightened geological tension in this seismically active region.
In summary, the magnitude 5.5 earthquake in northern Ethiopia, occurring alongside significant volcanic activity, underscores the ongoing geological instability in the region. Local officials have taken measures to evacuate at-risk residents and livestock as seismic events continue to threaten infrastructure and safety. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to mitigate further hazards and aid affected individuals.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
