Ethiopia’s government is evacuating 80,000 people amid fears of volcanic eruptions following multiple earthquakes. Significant tremors have been felt across regions, prompting emergency measures and revealing vulnerabilities in infrastructure. Experts highlight the need for updated safety standards in building practices as seismic activity increases.
The Ethiopian government has undertaken the evacuation of approximately 80,000 residents from the Afar, Oromia, and Amhara regions following a series of small earthquakes, with heightened concerns regarding potential volcanic activity. Since Friday, at least ten earthquakes have been registered, including a significant magnitude 5.8 quake that struck the Awash Fentale district early Saturday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey. Notably, the tremors have been felt in major urban areas such as Addis Ababa, prompting emergency responses and the identification of at-risk populations within the affected kebeles.
Experts, including Atalay Ayele, the head of the Seismology Department at Addis Ababa University, have reported a worrying increase in seismic activity, highlighting a particular tremor in the Dofen Mountain area. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission has underscored the vulnerability of over 51,000 individuals in these regions, with ongoing assessments suggesting a need for further relocations to secure locations. While no casualties have been confirmed, several homes sustained damage due to the earthquakes.
Concerns about volcanic eruptions have also arisen, particularly after smoke was observed issuing from vents in the Dofen volcano following the tremors. Government officials have deployed emergency workers to assess damage and evacuate those most at risk. Residents have expressed significant fears, with some recounting disruptive experiences during the earthquakes, prompting them to seek refuge outdoors.
Structural vulnerabilities have been exposed as many buildings in Ethiopia, including those in Addis Ababa, have not adhered to adequate seismic safety standards established decades ago. Civil engineering experts emphasize the pressing need for updated building codes and adherence to safety standards in construction practices. The government’s acknowledgment of these risks has led to plans to reinforce public buildings and establish task forces to better manage earthquake-related threats. Overall, this situation highlights the necessity for enhanced public safety measures and community preparedness in response to increasingly frequent seismic activities in the region.
This report outlines the situation in Ethiopia following a series of earthquakes that raised fears about potential volcanic activity. The Afar, Oromia, and Amhara regions have been particularly affected, necessitating an evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. The Ethiopia Geological Survey has tracked increasing seismic events, and experts emphasize that the country’s infrastructure may not be adequately prepared for such natural disasters, raising the stakes for public safety and urban planning. Additionally, the potential for volcanic eruptions adds another layer of danger, necessitating thorough monitoring and community awareness.
In summary, Ethiopia’s government has recognized the urgency of evacuating approximately 80,000 individuals due to a series of earthquakes, particularly concerning potential volcanic activity in the Afar region. The situation highlights critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and the need for updated building code adherence. As the government engages in damage assessment and public safety measures, it underscores the importance of proper disaster management and community awareness in the face of natural threats.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
