A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck Ethiopia on January 3, 2025, centered near Abomsa, with significant reports of tremors. This event followed a 3.6-magnitude earthquake in California on the same day, along with other notable quakes earlier in the week across California and Alaska, highlighting ongoing seismic activity in these regions.
On January 3, 2025, a significant earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale was recorded in Ethiopia, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located near Abomsa at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles). Following this event, the USGS received 128 reports from individuals who felt the tremor. This occurrence coincided with a 3.6-magnitude earthquake in California on the same day, centered in Petrolia at a shallow depth of 3.6 kilometers (about 2.3 miles). Nearly three hours later, a subsequent aftershock of magnitude 3.2 was also noted in the same region.
This series of seismic activities marks a notable pattern in earthquake occurrences. Prior to the Ethiopian earthquake, California experienced a 4.7-magnitude quake on January 1, 2025, which was centered in Cobb and occurred at a depth of approximately 1.1 kilometers (about 0.7 miles). The USGS reported 837 instances of residents feeling that quake. Notably, this event followed three days after a 3.3-magnitude earthquake in Nikolski, Alaska, which was recorded at a much deeper level of 39.5 kilometers (about 25 miles).
Additionally, an earlier quake with a magnitude of 3.3 was documented in California at Fort Bidwell, occurring on the same day as the Alaska earthquake and at a depth of 3.4 kilometers (about 2.1 miles). Further back, on December 27, a more substantial earthquake registering 6.7 on the Richter scale struck the Kuril Islands, occurring at a depth of 162.6 kilometers (about 101 miles).
Earthquakes are natural seismic events caused by the rapid release of energy in the Earth’s crust, leading to ground shaking and, at times, significant damage and loss of life. Monitoring by the USGS and other geological entities is crucial for understanding seismic activity patterns and for issuing warnings to the public. This particular report highlights a convergence of earthquake activities across diverse regions, notably Ethiopia and California, showcasing the unpredictability and geological dynamics affecting these areas.
In conclusion, the recent seismic events highlighted a noteworthy 5.8-magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia, occurring alongside multiple earthquakes in California, including a significant 4.7-magnitude quake. These events exemplify the ongoing seismic activity in various regions and underscore the importance of continual monitoring by geological organizations such as the USGS.
Original Source: www.iheart.com
