On March 16, 2025, a M5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Afar region, with a depth of 10 km. The quake affected thousands, prompting a low casualty alert. Mass evacuations were initiated following an ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis, coupled with the potential risk to the Kesem/Sabure Dam. Concerns about volcanic activity at Dofen volcano persist, marking significant geological challenges in the region.
On March 16, 2025, a significant M5.5 earthquake occurred in the Afar region of Ethiopia, at 18:53 UTC (21:53 local time), as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake struck at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) provided similar measurements regarding the earthquake’s magnitude and depth.
The epicenter of this earthquake was situated 46 km south of Awash, 63.8 km south-southwest of Metahara, and 55.5 km east of Dofen volcano. Approximately 6,000 individuals reported experiencing severe shaking, while 26,000 reported very strong shaking, 14,000 strong, and 30,000 moderate shaking.
In response to the earthquake, the USGS issued a Green alert regarding the potential for shaking-related fatalities and economic loss. Despite the strong tremors, there is a low likelihood of casualties or significant damage due to the resilient structures in the area.
The predominant building types in the region comprise informal materials such as metal, timber, and adobe blocks, which are particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. Previous earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards, such as landslides, which may have exacerbated losses in the population.
A moderate aftershock measuring M4.3 followed shortly, occurring 47 km southeast of Abomsa at a similar depth. These earthquakes are part of a broader seismo-volcanic crisis affecting the Dofen volcano region, which has persisted since December 22, 2024, characterized by a series of significant seismic events and ground fissures.
The crisis has already led to mass evacuations following a prior M5.7 earthquake on January 4, 2025, which resulted in large ground cracks. Over 60,000 residents have been displaced as evacuation measures were implemented.
Additionally, a new volcanic vent near Mount Dofen emerged on January 3, producing steam, gas, rocks, and mud, thus raising eruption concerns—the first in recorded history for this volcano. The Ethiopian Geological Institute reported that volcanic mudflows are complicating ongoing evacuation efforts.
Concerns have also arisen regarding the structural integrity of the Kesem/Sabure Dam, which could be endangered by repeated seismic activity in the area. This dam, designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude M5.6, faces potential catastrophic failure risks if the seismic activity continues to escalate.
Mount Dofen is 1,151 m tall and lies within the Main Ethiopian Rift, a tectonically active region within the East African Rift System, known for frequent seismic activity and volcanic occurrences due to ongoing tectonic plate divergence and magma intrusion.
The recent M5.5 earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar region has prompted concerns regarding structural integrity and safety as the area faces ongoing seismic challenges. Mass evacuations have taken place, with thousands displaced due to the crisis, which has also seen the emergence of volcanic activity and aftershocks. Officials continue to monitor the situation to mitigate further risk to the population and infrastructure.
Original Source: watchers.news
