Following a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in central Ethiopia, evacuations are ongoing in Abomsa. No fatalities have been reported, although the earthquake is part of increased seismic activity in the region, heightened by recent volcanic eruptions. Panic ensued in Addis Ababa as tremors were felt, indicating the widespread impact of these geological events.
Evacuations are currently taking place in Abomsa, located in central Ethiopia, following a significant earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale. According to the nation’s Communications Office, a disaster response team has been mobilized to address the needs of the approximately 80,000 residents in 12 affected districts. Fortunately, authorities have not reported any fatalities in relation to this seismic event.
In the days leading up to this event, the central and northeastern parts of Ethiopia, particularly the Awash Fentale region, experienced numerous minor tremors, culminating in last night’s substantial earthquake. The situation has been further exacerbated by a volcanic eruption at Mount Dofan, a known site of geological activity. Tremors originating from Awash Fentale have been perceptible as far as Addis Ababa, about 142 miles away, raising fears of an imminent disaster amongst the capital’s inhabitants.
Residents of Addis Ababa reported feeling the tremors at approximately 4:00 a.m. local time, leading to widespread panic and active discussions on social media platforms. Over the past few weeks, more than a dozen minor earthquakes have been recorded within the Awash Fentale region, prompting heightened awareness of the potentially escalating seismic activity. Notably, seismic strength has risen from 4.0 to nearly 6.0, indicating a worrying trend of increasingly frequent and powerful earthquakes in the area.
Ethiopia has historically dealt with geological instability, particularly in its central and northeastern regions, where both earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are prevalent. The area around Awash Fentale, in particular, has experienced a series of tremors recently, raising concerns among the residents and emergency services. The eruption of nearby Mount Dofan adds a layer of complexity to the situation, suggesting a connection between volcanic activity and seismic events. As geological conditions in the region change, emergency response efforts are crucial to ensure the safety of residents.
In summary, the recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake in central Ethiopia has necessitated the evacuation of residents and the deployment of disaster response teams to mitigate potential dangers. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported, but the rising frequency and intensity of seismic activity in the region continue to pose significant hazards. Awareness and preparedness are vital for the affected communities as they navigate this ongoing situation.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
