Ethiopia Experiences 4.9 Magnitude Earthquake
A 4.9 magnitude earthquake hit Ethiopia on Sunday evening, with its epicenter located in the Awash Fentale area. The quake, confirmed by government officials, was felt in multiple regions, including Addis Ababa. Although minor damage occurred, the situation is reported to be under control. There has been a concerning pattern of landslides in Ethiopia recently, underscoring environmental instability in the region.
On Sunday evening, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Ethiopia, specifically in the Awash Fentale region, located approximately 165 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. This seismic event, confirmed by the Government Communication Services via social media, occurred around 9 P.M. local time, with a depth recorded at 10 kilometers. Notably, the tremors were felt in various areas, including the capital city, Addis Ababa, and regions to the southeast such as Metehara and to the north near Kombolcha, close to Dessie. “Volcano Discovery” noted that in the previous 24 hours, there had been ten significant earthquakes globally, including incidents in Canada and the United States, with the Ethiopian earthquake among them. The coordinates for the earthquake’s epicenter were reported as 9.1287°N / 40.3209°E, situated in Harari, Ethiopia. The preliminary seismic data suggested that while many individuals in proximity to the epicenter felt the quake, it did not appear to have caused substantial damage, primarily resulting in minor disruptions such as objects falling from shelves and broken windows. There was a discrepancy regarding the earthquake’s exact location according to “Volcano Discovery,” which placed the epicenter approximately 41 kilometers northwest of Gelemso in Oromiya. This source also indicated the quake occurred around 8:10 P.M. local time. Furthermore, it characterized the tremors as “moderate.” The Ethiopian Government Communication Services mentioned reports of minor earth shocks leading up to the incident and expressed a lack of expectation for severe consequences beyond this recent event. Ethiopia has been facing an alarming trend of severe landslides in various regions over the past few months, which have tragically resulted in over 300 fatalities.
Ethiopia is located in the East African Rift, a seismically active area where earthquakes are common due to tectonic movements. The nation has experienced various geological phenomena, including landslides and earthquakes, making it important for government and scientific bodies to monitor these events closely. The recent earthquake highlights the ongoing seismic activity and the necessity of readiness for such natural occurrences, given the context of the recent landslides that have already claimed numerous lives.
In conclusion, the 4.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Ethiopia serves as a reminder of the nation’s vulnerability to seismic activity. While damage reports indicated minimal impact, the event underscores the ongoing geological challenges facing the country. Continued monitoring and preparedness remain crucial in mitigating the effects of such natural disasters.
Original Source: borkena.com
