Ethiopia Faces Crisis as Record Ten Earthquakes in 24 Hours Spark Fears of Eruption

Ethiopia has been shaken by a staggering series of seismic events this week, with a record 10 earthquakes occurring in just 24 hours. The quakes, which registered magnitudes ranging from 4.3 to 5.1 on the Richter scale, struck near the Fentale volcano in the Awash region—a part of the country’s significant Rift Valley. The most powerful quake occurred at approximately 1:20 am on December 30, with its tremors being felt as far away as the capital city of Addis Ababa. This surge in seismic activity has raised alarms among experts and local authorities, as the region has experienced increasing tremors in recent weeks. Tom Pfeiffer, a volcanologist with Volcano Discovery, highlighted the risks associated with these occurrences. "The risk of a new volcanic eruption in this part of the African Rift is now higher than before, primarily due to shallow magma intrusions," he explained. Such geological changes could lead to a volcanic eruption, compounding the current crisis. The aftermath of these quakes has already been devastating for local communities. Adem Bahi, the district administrator for Awash Fentale, reported that the earthquakes have displaced over 2,560 people, damaged more than 100 homes, and caused significant losses in livestock. Families are now in desperate need of shelter, food, and basic necessities as they grapple with the destruction left in the wake of the tremors. The recent seismic activity is particularly concerning due to the area's geological history. Mount Fentale, a dormant volcano, sits at the heart of this active zone and poses an increased risk following the recent earthquake sequences. Prof. Atalay Ayele, director of the Institute of Geophysics, Space Science and Astronomy at Addis Ababa University, noted that while this area had previously experienced a quiet period, the intensity of the recent earthquakes marks a significant change. Earlier seismic events in the same region, including a 4.7-magnitude quake on December 14 and a 5.3 quake on November 26, have already caused panic and displacement among residents, leading to evacuations and damage to infrastructure. The continuing pattern of smaller tremors and explosions has only heightened the fears of the local population. Seismologists attribute the recent events to tectonic activity within the East African Rift Valley, an area recognized for its geological instability. Dr. Meseret Getachew, a seismologist at Addis Ababa University, expressed serious concerns over the potential consequences of prolonged seismic activity. He warned that critical infrastructure—such as roads, dams, and energy facilities—could suffer severe damage, endangering lives and livelihoods. Moreover, the tremors threaten the nearby Awash National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dr. Meseret emphasized that the park's biodiversity and tourism potential could be irreparably harmed if the seismic activity continues. In light of this escalating crisis, experts are calling for immediate action from the Ethiopian government. Dr. Yonas Workineh, a disaster relief expert, underscored the importance of improved monitoring systems, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced disaster preparedness. "The magnitude and frequency of these earthquakes require a coordinated response," he said, stressing the need for global support to help rebuild and prepare for potential future disasters. As the situation unfolds, the Ethiopian government, alongside local authorities and international organizations, must prioritize the safety and well-being of affected communities to mitigate the impact of these alarming seismic events.