M5.5 Earthquake Strikes Near Dofen Volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar Region

On March 16, 2025, a M5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Afar region, affecting thousands. The USGS issued a Green alert for minimal expected casualties. The region has experienced prolonged seismic activity since late 2024, concerning local infrastructure, including the Kesem/Sabure Dam. Evacuations due to potential volcanic activity underscore the urgency of disaster preparedness in this tectonically active area.

On March 16, 2025, a strong and shallow earthquake, recorded as M5.5 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), struck the Afar region of Ethiopia at 18:53 UTC. This seismic event occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), with the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirming the same magnitude and depth. The epicenter was situated approximately 46 km south of Awash, 63.8 km south-southwest of Metahara, and 55.5 km east of the Dofen volcano.

An estimated 6,000 individuals experienced severe shaking, with 26,000 feeling very strong tremors, 14,000 strong, and 30,000 moderate shaking. The USGS subsequently issued a Green alert to indicate low likelihood for casualties and economic losses, although the region’s structures, particularly informal and adobe constructions, are typically vulnerable to seismic activities.

The earthquake was part of an ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis affecting the Dofen volcano since December 22, 2024. This period has been marked by notable seismic activity, including a moderate aftershock of M4.3 that occurred shortly after the initial quake and the emergence of extensive ground fissures. Mass evacuations were previously necessitated following an M5.7 earthquake in January, displacing over 60,000 residents due to potential volcanic eruptions.

Concerns have been raised regarding the structural integrity of the Kesem/Sabure Dam, situated downstream of the volcanic region. Designed to endure tremors up to M5.6, the dam’s safety has been questioned due to ongoing seismic events exceeding this threshold, with fears of catastrophic flooding should it fail.

Mount Dofen, reaching a height of 1,151 m (3,776 ft) a.s.l., is located in the tectonically active Main Ethiopian Rift, characterized by frequent seismic and volcanic occurrences due to the divergence of tectonic plates and magma activity beneath the surface.

This situation in Ethiopia highlights the need for continued monitoring and preparedness in the face of increased natural hazards in one of the world’s most seismically active regions.

In summary, the recent M5.5 earthquake near the Dofen volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region signifies an ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis that had previously resulted in significant evacuations due to the threat of volcanic activity. The structural integrity of local infrastructure, such as the Kesem/Sabure Dam, is under scrutiny due to the potential for catastrophic failures. Continuous observation and preparedness strategies are crucial to mitigate risks associated with the ongoing seismic and volcanic threats in this region.

Original Source: watchers.news