M6.0 Earthquake Near Fentale Volcano in Ethiopia Raises Safety Concerns
A significant earthquake measuring M6.0 hit near Fentale volcano, Ethiopia, at a shallow depth on February 14, 2025. Approximately 80,000 individuals were affected, and the USGS issued a Green alert indicating a low likelihood of severe consequences. The earthquake has raised concerns about infrastructure vulnerabilities and safety regarding a nearby dam, while evacuations are ongoing in high-risk areas.
A powerful M6.0 earthquake struck near the Fentale volcano in Ethiopia at 20:28 UTC (23:28 LT) on February 14, 2025, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) corroborated this magnitude and depth.
The earthquake’s epicenter was situated approximately 6.6 km (4.1 miles) NNE of Metahara, Oromiya, and about 26 km (16 miles) W of Awash, Afar, Ethiopia. An estimated 45,000 individuals experienced very strong shaking, while 37,000 felt strong shaking, and 147,000 reported moderate shaking. The USGS issued a Green alert for fatalities and economic losses related to this earthquake.
The region is home to many vulnerable structures, primarily adobe block and informal construction. These buildings sustain significant risk from earthquake activities, despite the presence of some more resilient structures. Recent seismic activity has also raised concerns regarding secondary hazards, including landslides.
Since January, around 80,000 residents from Oromiya and Afar have been affected and advised to evacuate due to mounting risks. The Ethiopian government has initiated relocations from high-risk areas to enhance safety measures. Damages from previous earthquakes included homes, health facilities, schools, roads, and essential infrastructure, leading to at least two reported injuries.
Additionally, fissures developing in the ground have sparked alarm regarding the Kesem/Sabure Dam, which stores significant volumes of water. Any potential failure of this dam could result in catastrophic flooding downstream, jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of lives, especially since the dam is only designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 5.6.
This earthquake represents the most powerful event in the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis affecting this region since December 22, 2024. These seismic activities are presumed to be associated with magma movement in the Fentale volcanic complex within the Main Ethiopian Rift.
In summary, the M6.0 earthquake near Ethiopia’s Fentale volcano has caused considerable shaking felt across the region, impacting approximately 80,000 individuals. The USGS issued a Green alert indicating a low likelihood of casualties but raising concerns over vulnerable infrastructure and secondary hazards. Efforts are underway to relocate residents and assess the risks posed by the nearby dam, as the region continues to grapple with seismic activity.
Original Source: watchers.news
