Ethiopia is evacuating around 80,000 residents in response to a series of earthquakes, including a significant quake measuring 5.8 magnitude, with concerns regarding volcanic activity. Damage has been reported, though no casualties have occurred. Experts have raised alarms regarding building vulnerabilities in urban areas due to outdated safety standards. The government is taking proactive measures to address these issues.
Ethiopia’s government has commenced the evacuation of approximately 80,000 residents from the Afar, Oromia, and Amhara regions due to a series of seismic activities, including at least ten reported earthquakes since last Friday. The most significant tremor, recorded at a magnitude of 5.8, struck the Awash Fentale district, raising concerns over volcanic activity in the area. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed this significant earthquake occurred 56 kilometers southeast of Ambosa in Oromia. Atalay Ayele, the head of the Seismology Department at Addis Ababa University, noted that the earthquakes appear to be escalating in both frequency and intensity, particularly observed this week.
The earthquake’s tremors reached major cities, including the capital, Addis Ababa, and other areas such as Adama, prompting many residents of high-rise buildings to feel the impacts. Residents from the Awash Fentale district reported numerous aftershocks since September. While no fatalities have been reported, several homes in the Afar region have sustained damage.
Concerns are also mounting over potential volcanic eruptions, particularly following occurrences of smoke emerging from vents in the Dofen volcano after one of the earthquakes. The Ethiopian government is closely monitoring seismic events, deploying emergency workers across twelve districts to assess damages and prioritize evacuations for the most vulnerable populations.
The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission has highlighted that over 51,000 residents from the Afar and Oromia regions face risks due to ongoing seismic activities, leading to the relocation of more than 13,000 individuals to safer areas. Reports from local residents describe experiences of fear and disruption, with many choosing to leave their homes in the wake of these tremors.
Ethiopian experts warn that many urban structures, particularly in Addis Ababa, remain susceptible to seismic activities due to outdated building standards and poor adherence to established regulations. Esayas Gebreyohannes from Addis Ababa University has emphasized the need for updated building codes to ensure adequate safety.
Moreover, government engineers indicate that plans are underway to strengthen key public buildings against potential high-magnitude earthquakes. The Ethiopian Construction Authority confirms the establishment of task forces specifically assigned to analyze the seismic situation and provide actionable recommendations moving forward.
The recent evacuation in Ethiopia stems from a series of earthquakes that present significant danger to the population residing in the Afar, Oromia, and Amhara regions. These geological events, some measuring up to 5.8 in magnitude, have raised alarms not only about possible volcanic activity but also about structural safety in a region that has not fully adapted to modern earthquake-resistant building standards. The government has a history of addressing natural disaster risks, and current efforts highlight the vulnerabilities posed by frequent seismic activities, necessitating immediate action to protect residents. Experts point out that many buildings in urban areas, including the capital, lack adequate compliance with earthquake safety standards, originally introduced in the 1980s, thereby increasing risks for occupants. A multifaceted approach involving both government oversight and public awareness is essential to mitigate the risks associated with these natural disasters.
In conclusion, Ethiopia’s evacuation efforts in response to seismic activity underscore the urgent dangers presented by earthquakes and potential volcanic eruptions. While the government works to safeguard vulnerable populations and reinforce infrastructural integrity, experts emphasize the critical need for adherence to contemporary building standards. Continuous monitoring and immediate response to seismic threats remain paramount for the safety and well-being of Ethiopia’s citizens.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
