Ethiopia Evacuates 80,000 Amid Surge of Earthquakes and Rising Volcanic Concerns

Ethiopia is in the midst of a significant emergency response as the government has announced the evacuation of approximately 80,000 residents following a series of small-scale earthquakes that have struck the Afar, Oromia, and Amhara regions. Since Friday, at least ten earthquakes have been recorded, raising concerns about potential volcanic activity in the region. The seismic activity began with a notable tremor in the Awash Fentale district, where a magnitude 5.8 earthquake was reported by the United States Geological Survey. This earthquake, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, was centered around Dofen Mountain, an area that has shown increasing seismic activity. This was followed by a second quake measuring 4.7, intensifying fears among local populations. The tremors have been felt as far away as the capital city of Addis Ababa, with reports of shaking in various cities including Adama and Metehara. Many residents, particularly those in high-rise buildings, experienced significant alarm, leading them to temporarily evacuate their homes. Local experts, including Atalay Ayele, head of the Seismology Department at Addis Ababa University, have noted a concerning trend in the frequency and intensity of these quakes, pointing out that data indicates a marked increase this week. While no casualties have been reported so far, dozens of homes in the Afar region have sustained damage due to the seismic activity. Residents in the area have also observed natural phenomena, such as a widening hot spring crater, which could signal underlying geological instability. The Ethiopian government is taking extensive measures to address the situation. In a statement, officials confirmed they are working closely with seismic experts to monitor developments and have deployed emergency workers to conduct damage assessments across 12 districts. Efforts are focused on evacuating vulnerable populations and ensuring the safety of social and economic infrastructures. The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission reported that over 51,000 residents in the Afar and Oromia regions are at risk due to the recurring earthquakes, with more than 13,000 individuals already relocated to safer areas. Authorities are particularly concerned about the Fentale district, where over 16,000 residents are facing similar risks. Eyewitness accounts from residents depict the fear experienced during the tremors. Zumara Mamo, a resident of Abomsa, described waking up to the ground shaking violently beneath her. Abayneh Urgo, from the Fentale district, indicated that many residents are now sleeping outside due to the ongoing tremors, highlighting the psychological toll the quakes have taken on the community. Despite the immediate need for evacuation and safety measures, experts warn that the infrastructure in Ethiopia, particularly in major urban centers, may not be adequately prepared for such seismic events. Building codes established decades ago are overdue for updates, and many structures reportedly fail to comply with existing standards. Esayas Gebreyohannes, a civil and environmental engineering professor, emphasized the need for stringent adherence to building regulations to ensure safety in an active volcanic region. In light of the escalating situation, the Ethiopian Construction Authority is actively assessing risks and planning to reinforce major public buildings to withstand higher magnitude earthquakes. The government has formed task forces to closely monitor seismic activity and report findings to authorities, aiming to improve preparedness and response strategies. As the situation develops, Ethiopian officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols. With the dual threats of earthquakes and potential volcanic eruptions looming, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and ensuring community resilience in the face of natural disasters.