On January 4, 2025, a magnitude-5.8 earthquake struck Ethiopia near Addis Ababa, leading to evacuations following volcanic eruptions at Mount Dofan. Experts anticipate intensified seismic activity, raising concerns about potential impacts on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and its implications for neighboring Egypt and Sudan.
On January 4, 2025, a significant magnitude-5.8 earthquake occurred in Ethiopia, specifically affecting the regions near Abomsa and Amhara, close to the capital city of Addis Ababa. The earthquake, registered at a depth of 10 kilometers, was reported by both the Ethiopian Geological Institute and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). In anticipation of potential increases in seismic activity, researchers have indicated that tremors could escalate further, with initial tremors that had started at a magnitude of 5.2 and subsequently reaching 5.8.
Simultaneously, Mount Dofan Volcano in the Afar region has begun erupting, accompanied by large fissures appearing in the ground, prompting Ethiopian authorities to advise the evacuation of thousands of residents to temporary shelters. Geologist Abbas Sheraqi from Cairo University expressed concerns regarding the ongoing seismic activity, indicating it might herald further geological disruptions, including increased volcanic activity potentially affecting neighboring volcanoes, such as Fentale, which is in a densely populated vicinity.
Sheraqi noted, “We do not wish for the Renaissance Dam to collapse, as our brothers in Ethiopia live safely far from the dam. However, our concern is for our brothers in Sudan, as well as the fact that the waters of the Renaissance Dam [GERD] serve as an important water reserve for Egypt.” The long-standing disputes over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) have persisted for over a decade, with Egypt and Sudan striving for a binding agreement that respects their water rights amid Ethiopia’s unilateral progress on the dam’s filling and operation, acts that have consistently strained relations among the three nations.
The recent seismic activity in Ethiopia is noteworthy due to the region’s historical vulnerability to geological disturbances. The occurrence of a magnitude-5.8 earthquake, accompanied by volcanic eruptions at Mount Dofan, places considerable stress on local populations, prompting widespread evacuations. Furthermore, these events are entwined with the ongoing tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a significant water resource that affects not only Ethiopia but also its downstream neighbors, Egypt and Sudan, complicating the geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa.
The January 4, 2025, earthquake and accompanying volcanic eruptions in Ethiopia underscore profound geological and humanitarian challenges faced by the affected regions. As authorities navigate these crises, the underlying tensions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam must also be addressed to ensure stability and mutual understanding among Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan. Continued monitoring and preparedness are crucial as the situation evolves, reflecting both geological realities and the complexities of regional relationships.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
