Ethiopian Earthquakes: Assurance on the Safety of the GERD
Sudanese geoscientists have reassured the public that the recent earthquakes in Ethiopia pose no immediate risk to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is safely distanced from the epicenter of the seismic activity. The dam was engineered to withstand such seismic events, though a call for comprehensive study on its environmental implications has been made.
In recent weeks, the Afar region of Ethiopia has experienced a series of strong earthquakes, including an 8.1 magnitude quake that occurred east of Addis Ababa. This seismic activity has led to the evacuation of over 80,000 residents, raising concerns regarding the structural integrity of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). However, Sudanese geoscientists have reassured the public that the dam remains far from the epicenter of the quakes, which are occurring over 100 kilometers away.
Engineer Abdelkarim El Amin emphasized that the GERD was designed to withstand seismic events and that its foundation is situated in a safe zone, well-distanced from the recent tremors. He noted that the dam should continue to function safely despite the low water levels reported in its reservoir. Furthermore, El Amin acknowledged a worst-case scenario but clarified that such an event, resulting in the dam’s collapse, is improbable.
El Amin continued, insisting that a focus on scientific assessments of the GERD’s environmental impact is crucial. He highlighted the need for collective research efforts from various experts to analyze the dam’s implications on water resources in Sudan and the broader Nile Basin region, excluding political biases.
Ethiopia’s ongoing seismic activity, particularly in the Afar region, has caused significant alarm in neighboring countries, mainly Sudan and Egypt, due to the potential risks it poses to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Completed infrastructure such as dams in sedimentary areas can be susceptible to seismic-induced failures, necessitating a thorough analysis of the geological conditions before construction. The GERD, a pivotal hydroelectric power project, is surrounded by political and environmental discussions, hence the urgency for clarity and transparency regarding its seismic safety.
In summary, while recent earthquakes in Ethiopia have raised valid concerns about the GERD, experts assert that the dam is unlikely to be affected, given its robust design and geographic location. The potential for catastrophic impacts on Sudan and Egypt in the event of a dam failure underscores the need for an interdisciplinary dialogue focused on scientific research relating to water management in the Nile Basin. Such an approach will facilitate a more informed discourse devoid of political interference.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
