M6.0 Earthquake Near Fentale Volcano Impacts Thousands in Ethiopia

A strong M6.0 earthquake hit near Fentale volcano, Ethiopia, on February 14, 2025, causing widespread tremors felt by approximately 45,000 people. The USGS reported shallow depth (10 km) and issued a Green alert, indicating low risk for casualties. Ongoing seismic activity linked to magma movements raises concerns for public safety and infrastructure, leading to government-initiated evacuations in affected regions.

On February 14, 2025, a significant earthquake measuring M6.0 struck near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia at 20:28 UTC. The earthquake, recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), consistent with reports from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

The epicenter was determined to be situated approximately 6.6 km (4.1 miles) NNE of Metahara, Oromiya, and 26 km (16 miles) W of Awash in Afar, Ethiopia. It is estimated that around 45,000 individuals experienced very strong shaking, with an additional 37,000 reporting strong shaking and 147,000 experiencing moderate effects.

The USGS issued a Green alert, indicating a low likelihood of fatalities and economic damages due to the earthquake. However, the affected population primarily resides in structures that are particularly vulnerable to seismic events, predominantly consisting of adobe blocks and informal construction, which may not withstand significant shaking.

As per recent updates, this earthquake marks the strongest tremor in the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis affecting the region since late December 2024, which is linked to magma movement within the Fentale volcanic complex in the Main Ethiopian Rift. Approximately 80,000 residents across the Oromiya and Afar regions are undergoing relocation due to exposure risks associated with these seismic activities.

The earthquakes have resulted in damage to essential infrastructure, including homes, health centers, schools, and roads. Reports indicate injuries to at least two individuals. There are growing concerns regarding fissures near the Kesem/Sabure Dam, emphasizing the risk of catastrophic flooding should structural integrity fail, jeopardizing countless lives downstream.

The M6.0 earthquake near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia on February 14, 2025, has impacted over 80,000 residents in vulnerable structures, prompting government evacuation efforts. While the USGS reports a low likelihood of casualties, the potential for infrastructure damage and rising fissures near dams raises serious concerns for public safety. Continuous monitoring is essential as the region remains affected by ongoing seismic activity linked to volcanic movements.

Original Source: watchers.news