Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption Strike Northern Ethiopia

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck northern Ethiopia, coinciding with a volcanic eruption in the Afar region. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, 55 kilometers northwest of Asbe Teferi, resulting in evacuations but no reported injuries. Local residents report over 30 houses have collapsed due to violent tremors.

On Friday, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake impacted northern Ethiopia, coinciding with a volcanic eruption following several months of seismic activity. The earthquake was registered at a depth of 10 kilometers, located approximately 55 kilometers northwest of Asbe Teferi, as reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and local media sources. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported at this time.

Aden Bela, an official in the region, conveyed in a statement to Ethiopian broadcaster EBC that the volcano erupted near Segento in the Afar region at approximately 5:30 AM local time. While emissions from the crater have ceased, lava is still flowing, necessitating the evacuation of nearby residents and livestock to ensure their safety.

Since late September, the United States Geological Survey has recorded more than 67 seismic events in the surrounding area, particularly around the Fantale region within the Great Rift Valley. Local residents have expressed growing concern as destructive tremors have resulted in the collapse of over 30 homes. One resident poignantly remarked, “Houses are collapsing day by day.” This situation highlights the heightened danger faced by communities in this seismic and volcanic zone.

Ethiopia is situated in a geologically active region known as the East African Rift, which experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity. The recent earthquake and volcanic eruption are part of a broader pattern of increasing geological disturbances in the area. The interaction between the tectonic plates contributes significantly to these occurrences, often resulting in devastating impacts on local communities and infrastructure. The ongoing seismic activity has raised alarms regarding the safety and stability of inhabited areas, particularly in vulnerable regions like Afar.

In summary, the recent magnitude 5.5 earthquake in northern Ethiopia, along with the concurrent volcano eruption, underscores the geological volatility of the area. Authorities and local officials are continuing to monitor these events closely, while the affected populations face significant challenges due to property damage and the ongoing threat of further eruptions and tremors. Community resilience will be vital as they navigate the aftermath of these natural disasters.

Original Source: newscentral.africa