Addis Abeba– A task force has been established to enhance precautionary measures and assess Addis Abeba’s vulnerability to earthquakes, following the recent 5.8-magnitude earthquake in the Afar region, which was felt in the capital.
The Addis Abeba City Administration disclosed that discussions were held with experts from Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Geophysics, Space Science, and Astronomy, as well as the Geological Survey of Ethiopia. The talks, attended by Mayor Adanech Abebie, focused on the distribution of recent seismic activity and its potential implications for Addis Ababa.
Experts explained that tremors felt in Addis Abeba are linked to ongoing seismic activity in Afar. They reassured residents that while these tremors do not pose an immediate threat, it is essential to remain calm and adhere to safety guidance from experts.
The Afar region and its surroundings have experienced a series of earthquakes, culminating in a 5.8-magnitude earthquake on January 4, 2025, recorded 56 km south-southeast of Abomsa. Earlier the same day, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck 44 km northeast of Āwash at a depth of 10 km.
The region also witnessed a minor volcanic eruption on Dofan Mountain in the Dulecha district on December 3, 2024.
The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC) announced on January 5 that over 20,500 people have been relocated from earthquake-prone areas in Afar and Oromia regions due to heightened seismic activity.
In Afar, Awash Fentale and Dulecha districts were identified as particularly vulnerable. The EDRMC reported relocating 7,000 of the 15,000 residents at risk in six kebeles of Awash Fentale. Similarly, 6,223 people have been evacuated from Dulecha, where an estimated 20,000 residents face potential danger.
In Oromia’s Fentale district, 7,350 residents from five kebeles have been relocated, with plans to move an additional 8,832 individuals from high-risk areas.
The EDRMC also reported delivering humanitarian aid to affected areas, including 11,550 quintals of food and non-food supplies worth over 281 million birr.
Addis Standard previously reported that frequent earthquakes in Awash Fentale, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, have resulted in the collapse of over 30 homes, forcing thousands of residents to flee to neighboring areas. Affected communities in Segento Kebele of the Dulecha district, near the Kessem Dam and Kessem Sugar Factory, have reported extensive damage to homes and schools, including Ungaytu School in Sabure Kebele.
Residents have described deteriorating conditions, with asphalt cracking and water seeping through fissures in the ground. AS
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