The Ethiopian government has launched a mass evacuation of around 80,000 people from the Afar, Oromia, and Amhara regions after a series of earthquakes struck the country, raising concerns about potential volcanic activity. Over the past week, at least ten tremors have been recorded, with the most significant occurring early on Saturday morning, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale. The epicenter of this earthquake was located southeast of Ambosa, in Oromia, with a second tremor following hours later in the Afar region.
Experts from Addis Ababa University confirmed that the earthquake’s epicenter was situated near Dofen Mountain in the Awash Fentale district, a region spanning both Afar and Oromia. The tremors were felt across a wide area, including the capital, Addis Ababa, and towns such as Adama and Metehara, which lie several hundred kilometers from the epicenter. In some areas, residents, particularly those living in high-rise buildings, reported feeling the quakes intensely.
The frequent seismic activity has also triggered fears of an impending volcanic eruption. Following the tremors, smoke was observed rising from vents in the Dofen volcano, located near the epicenter. Local authorities, in collaboration with seismologists, are closely monitoring the situation, as the region’s ongoing instability could have devastating effects on surrounding communities.
In response to the escalating risk, the Ethiopian government has deployed emergency teams to assess the damage and assist in evacuating residents from the most vulnerable areas. So far, more than 13,000 people have been relocated to safer locations, with officials warning that up to 51,000 people are still at risk due to ongoing seismic tremors. In Fentale district, an additional 16,000 people face similar dangers, and many have already fled to temporary shelters.
While there have been no reported casualties, the earthquakes have caused significant damage to infrastructure, particularly in the Afar region, where several homes have been destroyed. Local residents shared accounts of the tremors, with some describing how the shockwaves violently shook their homes, displacing furniture and shattering windows.
The Ethiopian government is also facing growing concerns about the structural integrity of buildings in major cities like Addis Ababa. Experts have pointed to outdated building codes and substandard construction practices as contributing factors to the city’s vulnerability to seismic damage. Civil engineers have emphasized that the government must urgently address these issues by updating building standards and reinforcing existing infrastructure to withstand future earthquakes.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Ethiopian government has urged residents to remain alert and follow the safety instructions issued by experts. Seismic activity is expected to persist, and authorities are preparing for further evacuations and relief efforts to mitigate the impact of future tremors.