Evacuations are taking place in Abomsa, central Ethiopia, due to a 5.8 magnitude earthquake. The nation’s Communications Office reported that a mitigation team is aiding approximately 80,000 residents. Minor tremors have been felt over recent weeks, including eruptions from Mount Dofan. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities, but rising seismic activity raises concerns about future disasters.
On Saturday, evacuations commenced in Abomsa, central Ethiopia, due to a significant earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale. The Ethiopian Communications Office has confirmed that a disaster prevention and mitigation team has been deployed to assist approximately 80,000 residents across 12 districts close to the earthquake’s epicenter. Fortunately, there have been no reports of fatalities or serious injuries so far.
In recent weeks, the region has been experiencing a series of minor tremors, culminating in the strongest quake reported last night. This seismic activity is compounded by a volcanic eruption at Mount Dofan, an area characterized by frequent geological disturbances. Tremors have been felt across central and northeastern Ethiopia, including as far as Addis Ababa, which raised alarm among the capital’s residents when the quake struck around 4:00 AM local time.
The series of recent earthquakes has raised concerns about the potential for a more significant disaster, with over a dozen minor tremors recorded in the Awash Fentale area alone. There is a pronounced increase in the strength of these tremors, escalating from 4.0 to nearly 6.0 in magnitude, implying a concerning trend of increasing seismic activity in the region, alongside five recorded tremors within the past day.
The recent seismic events in Ethiopia highlight the country’s vulnerability to earthquakes, especially in central and northeastern regions, which are already prone to seismic activity due to their geological makeup. The occurrence of multiple minor tremors preceding the recent major earthquake raises significant concerns among experts and residents regarding the stability of the area. Moreover, the eruption of Mount Dofan adds another layer of complexity to the already precarious situation, as volcanic activity often accompanies seismic disturbances.
In summary, the recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Abomsa has prompted significant evacuations and highlighted the ongoing risks associated with seismic and volcanic activity in Ethiopia. The readiness of local disaster response teams is crucial in managing the situation for the nearly 80,000 residents affected. As the region continues to experience increased seismic activity, further vigilance and preparedness are essential to safeguard against future incidents. No fatalities or serious injuries have been reported at this time, but the situation remains fluid and requires close monitoring.
Original Source: www.yenisafak.com
