Ethiopia Faces Emergency as Earthquakes Trigger Mass Evacuations and Fears of Eruptions

Ethiopia is currently in a state of emergency as the government evacuates around 80,000 residents across the Afar, Oromia, and Amhara regions due to a series of earthquakes that have raised fears of volcanic eruptions. Since Friday, a total of at least ten earthquakes have shaken various parts of the country, with the latest tremor registering a magnitude of 5.8 and centered in the Awash Fentale district, an area known for its geological instability. The United States Geological Survey reported that this recent quake occurred approximately 56 kilometers southeast of Ambosa early Saturday morning. The tremors have been particularly alarming for residents, affecting cities as far away as the capital, Addis Ababa, and have resulted in noticeable damage to homes in the Afar region without any recorded casualties thus far. Nevertheless, the destruction has disrupted the lives of many, forcing them to seek refuge outside their homes. Atalay Ayele, a professor of seismic science at Addis Ababa University, emphasized the increasing magnitude and frequency of these seismic events, noting that many of the previous quakes have occurred in the same regions over the last few months. Reports indicate that a significant hot spring crater has developed in the Afar region, further indicating potential volcanic activity. This has prompted the government to mobilize resources and emergency workers to assess damages and monitor developments closely. The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission has reported that over 51,000 residents are at risk due to the ongoing seismic activity, with more than 13,000 already relocated to safer zones. Specific attention has been given to the more than 16,000 residents in the Fentale district of Oromia, where concerted efforts are being made to ensure their safety amidst ongoing fears of volcanic eruptions. Local residents have shared harrowing experiences of the earthquakes. Zumara Mamo from Abomsa recounted a terrifying moment when she and her child were abruptly awakened by the tremors, during which the shock was strong enough to displace glass fittings in her home. Similarly, residents in Fentale district have reported sleeping outside in fear of aftershocks. Despite the distressing circumstances, officials from the government have reassured the public that the situation is being monitored closely. They are urging citizens to adhere to safety precautions and have highlighted their commitment to improving infrastructure resilience in the face of such geological dangers. Experts, however, warn that many existing structures, particularly in urban areas like Addis Ababa, do not meet modern seismic building codes, raising significant safety concerns. Esayas Gebreyohannes, an associate professor at Addis Ababa University's Institute of Technology, notes that the country’s building codes were last updated in 1983 and require immediate revision to address modern construction challenges. He stated that many buildings in the capital exhibit serious design flaws due to poor adherence to existing standards, which could exacerbate the risks posed by future earthquakes. In response to the ongoing seismic risks, government engineers are developing plans to reinforce public buildings and are actively studying the evolving situation to ensure that necessary measures are implemented. The urgency of the matter cannot be understated, as Ethiopian cities are situated in a region characterized by active volcanic and seismic activity. As Ethiopia navigates this natural crisis, the focus remains on safeguarding the lives of its citizens and preparing for any further developments in the geological landscape that may pose additional threats.