A M5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Afar region near Dofen volcano on March 16, 2025. The quake had a depth of 10 km and affected an estimated 76,000 people, prompting a Green alert from the USGS. This event is part of a prolonged seismo-volcanic crisis, which has caused large-scale evacuations and raised concerns regarding the structural safety of nearby dams.
On March 16, 2025, a significant earthquake measuring M5.5 struck the Afar region of Ethiopia at 18:53 UTC (21:53 LT). The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), and both the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed this magnitude and depth. The epicenter was located approximately 46 km south of Awash, 63.8 km south-southwest of Metahara, and 55.5 km east of Dofen volcano.
Approximately 6,000 individuals experienced severe shaking, while 26,000 felt very strong tremors, 14,000 experienced strong shaking, and 30,000 reported moderate shaking. The USGS issued a Green alert regarding potential shaking-related fatalities and economic losses, indicating a low likelihood of casualties and significant damage. However, many residents live in structures vulnerable to seismic activity, primarily informal and adobe block constructions.
The region has a history of secondary hazards, such as landslides, from previous earthquakes, which could further exacerbate losses. Notably, a moderate aftershock measuring M4.3 occurred at 21:20 UTC on the same day, located 47 km southeast of Abomsa, also at a depth of 10 km.
This seismic activity is part of an ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis affecting the Dofen volcano, which began on December 22, 2024. The crisis has involved multiple moderate to strong earthquakes, ground fissures, and volcanic vent activity. Following an M5.7 earthquake on January 4, 2025, mass evacuations were initiated as large cracks developed in the ground, displacing over 60,000 residents.
Mount Dofen, standing at an elevation of 1,151 m, is located within the Main Ethiopian Rift, a highly active tectonic region characterized by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The geological instability has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the Kesem/Sabure Dam downstream, which was designed to withstand seismic activity up to M5.6. However, experts warn that continued seismic events pose a substantial risk of catastrophic flooding, endangering local populations.
The M5.5 earthquake near Dofen volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region highlights the ongoing risks associated with seismic and volcanic activity. With numerous individuals affected and ongoing evacuations due to structural vulnerabilities and potential dam failures, this situation remains critical. Continued monitoring and emergency preparedness are essential in light of the frequent seismic disturbances impacting the area.
Original Source: watchers.news
