M5.5 Earthquake Strikes Ethiopia’s Afar Region Near Dofen Volcano
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake hit near Dofen volcano in Ethiopia on March 16, 2025. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 km and affected over 76,000 people. A Green alert was issued regarding fatalities and economic losses, as the region’s structures are vulnerable to seismic activity. Ongoing volcanic and seismic threats are causing evacuations and raising safety concerns for local infrastructure.
On March 16, 2025, at 18:53 UTC (21:53 LT), a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck the Afar region in Ethiopia, near Dofen volcano. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicenter was located 46 kilometers south of Awash and recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed the same magnitude and depth for the event.
The recent M5.5 earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar region, along with ongoing seismic activity, highlights the vulnerabilities of local infrastructure and the potential risks posed to communities in an active tectonic zone. With a significant number of residents displaced and geological concerns rising, the need for comprehensive monitoring and disaster readiness becomes imperative. Evaluating the stability of essential structures, such as the Kesem/Sabure Dam, remains crucial to prevent catastrophic outcomes in the future.
Original Source: watchers.news
