Concerns Grow Over Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Amid Surge in Earthquakes
Ethiopia has recorded its third earthquake of 2023, registering a magnitude of 4.7, raising safety concerns about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Expert Professor Abbas Sharaqi emphasized the need for heightened monitoring of the dam due to an increase in seismic activity. The region has experienced 31 earthquakes this year, with the potential for future threats to the dam’s structural integrity.
Ethiopia experienced its third earthquake recently, registering a magnitude of 4.7 at a depth of 10 kilometers. This seismic event occurred approximately 570 kilometers from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and about 400 kilometers from the eastern perimeter of the lake. The recent quake is part of a concerning trend, as it represents the 16th earthquake in the past five weeks and the 31st recorded so far this year in the region, which typically aligns with magnitudes between 4 to 5 degrees. Professor Abbas Sharaqi, a geology and water resources expert at Cairo University, reported that 2023 has already witnessed 38 seismic events, with the strongest registering at 5.6 degrees. The expert noted that the historical average for earthquakes exceeding four degrees from 2014 to 2020 was 5.3 annually, revealing a significant uptick in seismic activity for the current year. In his statement to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Professor Sharaqi urged for heightened surveillance of the GERD and the adjacent lake area, which spans over 200 kilometers in length. He indicated that while the recent earthquakes pose no immediate threat to the dam, there exists potential risk if more powerful earthquakes occur closer to the site, particularly as the GERD currently holds 60 billion cubic meters of water. The professor further remarked upon the initial American design for the dam which permitted a maximum capacity of storing only 11.1 billion cubic meters; however, the Ethiopian government’s modifications raised this figure significantly, amplifying the risks associated with geological instability. In a series of tremors, two additional earthquakes struck Ethiopia on the previous Saturday, each measuring 4.6 degrees. These events occurred in quick succession, demonstrating a palpable pattern of seismic frequency in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, located approximately 570 kilometers from the GERD. The first quake was recorded on September 27 and subsequently, additional tremors followed, all indicating a rapidly changing seismic landscape in the region.
The recent seismic activities in Ethiopia, particularly around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), have raised alarms among experts regarding the potential risks to this crucial infrastructure. With significant geological activity occurring throughout 2023, including multiple earthquakes in close succession, the safety and structural integrity of the dam warrant serious consideration. The GERD has been a focal point of regional discussions concerning water management and international relations, exacerbating the implications of increased seismicity.
In conclusion, Ethiopia’s recent spate of earthquakes has brought to light urgent safety concerns regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. With the current holder of a much larger water capacity than originally planned, the dam faces potential risks as seismic activity escalates. Continued monitoring and assessment of geological conditions surrounding the GERD are essential in mitigating the risk of a catastrophic event in the region.
Original Source: ozarab.media
