6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Oromiya, Ethiopia, Triggering Evacuations and Fears of Volcanic Eruption

A potent 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit Oromiya, Ethiopia, late Friday, with over 250,000 residents affected. The quake, near Fentale volcano, has triggered fears of volcanic eruptions, leading to the evacuation of 80,000 individuals. The situation remains precarious as continued seismic activity poses ongoing risks to the population.

A significant 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the densely populated Oromiya region of Ethiopia late Friday night, with upwards of 250,000 individuals reporting the tremors. The earthquake occurred at approximately 11:28 p.m. local time, characterized by a shallow depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), and was centered roughly 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) NNE of Metahāra, indicating its proximity to Fentale volcano, a site of notable seismic and volcanic activity since late December.

In response to ongoing earthquakes in the region, which have reignited volcanic activity, officials have evacuated 80,000 residents. The earthquake heightened fears among the populace, particularly those residing close to Fentale volcano, who worry that recent seismic events may provoke an eruption. Reports indicate an escalation in observed fissures, suggesting volcanic unrest in the area.

Residents of Oromiya and its surrounding communities described the extensive shaking they experienced. Many expressed concerns over their safety, given the significant rifting observed along critical evacuation routes. “We heard a big noise from the ground; it sounds like a gun salute,” stated Ado Ali, a local mother, emphasizing her family’s urgency to evacuate.

With reports of no injuries or fatalities at the time of this publication, concerns about damage linger. Areas near Fentale volcano have suffered structural damage from previous seismic activity since December 22, 2024. While Friday’s earthquake has yet to yield assessments of damage, residents remain in a state of vigilance for potential aftershocks.

Ethiopia’s Oromiya region has experienced an ongoing series of earthquakes since late December, impacting approximately 500,000 residents. This recent quake marked the most powerful tremor the area has witnessed, igniting fears of volcanic activity due to multiple fissures appearing in the landscape. In light of these concerns, government officials continue to advocate for the evacuation of residents yet to leave the area, given the growing risk.

In total, more than 80,000 individuals have left their homes, seeking safety from the recurring seismic threats. The urgency for further evacuations underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential for more catastrophic events in the region.

In summary, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Oromiya, Ethiopia, affecting a large number of residents and prompting significant evacuations. Continuous seismic activity raises concerns about potential volcanic eruptions, necessitating further evacuations and careful monitoring of the situation. Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities at this stage, but the risk remains high as authorities encourage caution among the populace.

Original Source: www.thetravel.com