Ethiopia has evacuated about 80,000 citizens following numerous earthquakes, with fears of volcanic eruptions in the Afar region. The strongest tremor recorded was a magnitude 5.8. Although no casualties have been reported, damage to homes has occurred. Experts recommend urgent updates to building codes to enhance resilience against seismic events.
The Ethiopian government has initiated an evacuation of approximately 80,000 citizens due to a series of earthquakes affecting the Afar, Oromia, and Amhara regions. Recent seismic activity, including more than ten recorded earthquakes since Friday, has raised concerns about potential volcanic eruptions in the area, particularly following an incident where smoke was reported from the Dofen volcano. The largest recorded tremor measured a magnitude of 5.8, occurring southeast of Ambosa in Oromia during the early hours of Saturday. Citizens in Addis Ababa and surrounding towns felt the impacts, prompting emergency response measures.
The earthquakes have led to damage in multiple homes within the Afar region; however, no casualties have been reported to date. Government agencies, including the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, have identified over 51,000 residents as being at risk due to these recurring seismic events. As a precautionary measure, more than 13,000 individuals have already been relocated for safety, and further assessments are being conducted to address social and economic impacts of the earthquakes.
Experts warn that Ethiopia’s building infrastructure is particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. The existing building codes have not kept pace with the rapidly changing seismic landscape, with the last update made in 1983. Structural deficiencies are evident across various infrastructures, particularly in Addis Ababa, where it is crucial to reinforce buildings. Efforts are underway to address these concerns as governmental engineering authorities monitor the situation closely to provide relief efforts and enhance safety protocols.
Recent seismic activities in Ethiopia are particularly alarming due to their increasing frequency and intensity. The regions affected, specifically Afar, Oromia, and Amhara, have been subjected to numerous earthquakes within a short time frame, eliciting fears of volcanic eruptions. The government’s response to the situation involves extensive evacuations and assessments of the affected areas, indicating the urgency and severity of the issue. Furthermore, concerns regarding the structural integrity of buildings—particularly in urban areas like Addis Ababa—have been raised, emphasizing the need for updates to building codes and safety practices in the face of these natural disasters.
In summary, Ethiopia is facing significant challenges posed by recent earthquakes, necessitating the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents due to potential volcanic activity. The government is actively monitoring the situation while addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and assessing infrastructural safety. Experts continue to urge improvements in building standards to mitigate the risks associated with seismic events, as the country grapples with the implications of living in an active volcanic region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
