Ethiopia Earthquakes: Sudanese Experts Assure Safety of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

Sudanese geoscientists have downplayed concerns regarding the impact of recent earthquakes on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, affirming that the seismic activity is too distant to affect the dam, which is built to withstand earthquakes. An expert emphasized the need for a scientific examination of the dam’s environmental effects in the Nile Basin.

In light of recent seismic activities in Ethiopia’s Afar region, which have led to the evacuation of over 80,000 people, experts in Sudan have alleviated concerns regarding potential risks to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). These experts assert that the earthquake activity remains significantly distant from the dam, which has been engineered to endure seismic events. An 8.1 magnitude quake was recorded recently, following earlier tremors of 5.8 and 5.5 in magnitude. The cumulative aftershocks have prompted inquiries regarding the structural integrity of the GERD, yet studies indicate that the dam’s location is approximately 500 kilometers from the epicenter of these tremors, reducing any immediate risk.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, has been a focal point of regional tensions between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt due to its implications on water resources. Recent earthquakes have reignited fears of a potential disaster impacting these countries, particularly concerning flooding risks. However, geological assessments confirm that the seismic activities are non-threatening to the dam’s stability. Understanding the geological conditions prior to the dam’s construction further underscores the mitigation measures in place against seismic hazards.

In conclusion, while the recent earthquakes in Ethiopia have raised alarms regarding the safety of the GERD, expert evaluations suggest that the dam’s design and location mitigate the risks associated with seismic activity. Future inquiries into the dam’s environmental impacts and collaborative scientific studies among the affected nations could foster a more comprehensive understanding of the regional hydrology, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based approaches to resource management.

Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org