On Sunday night, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Ethiopia in the Awash Fentale area, approximately 165 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. The event was felt in the capital and surrounding regions, but it was not anticipated to cause significant damage. The tremor was part of a broader seismic context in Ethiopia, which has seen increased geological activities including landslides that have previously resulted in substantial loss of life.
A 4.9 magnitude earthquake occurred in Ethiopia, specifically in the Awash Fentale region, approximately 165 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The incident transpired on Sunday evening around 9 PM local time, with confirmed reports indicating that tremors were felt in the capital city as well as in Metehara to the southeast and Kombolcha in the north. The Government Communication Services of Ethiopia confirmed the event via a social media update. Furthermore, the global seismic monitoring organization, “Volcano Discovery,” noted that Ethiopia’s earthquake was among ten significant earthquakes reported worldwide within the preceding 24 hours. The specific coordinates of the earthquake’s epicenter were determined to be 9.1287°N latitude and 40.3209°E longitude, situated in Harari, Ethiopia. Preliminary seismic analysis suggested that many individuals near the epicenter may have felt the quake, although it was not anticipated to have caused extensive damage, with expectations limited to minor incidents such as items falling from shelves or broken windows. The report from “Volcano Discovery” indicated that the seismic activity occurred in Harari, about 41 kilometers northwest of Gelemso in Oromiya, and cited an earlier time of 8:10 PM local time for the earthquake. In the wake of this seismic event, the Ethiopian government acknowledged recent reports of smaller aftershocks in the days leading up to the earthquake, reassuring the public that no severe repercussions were anticipated. It is important to note that Ethiopia has been experiencing an alarming series of landslides in various regions, which have resulted in the tragic loss of over 300 lives in recent months.
Ethiopia is located in a tectonically active region where seismic events, including earthquakes, are not uncommon. Recent months have seen a rise in geological disturbances, including landslides and minor earthquakes. The earthquake reported on Sunday is part of a broader context where the government has been monitoring seismic and geological stability in the area due to the significant impact of recent landslides, leading to fatalities and infrastructural concerns across the nation. Organizations such as Volcano Discovery provide critical data on seismic activity worldwide and contribute to public awareness regarding natural disasters.
In summary, the 4.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Ethiopia is a notable event in the region, with government and international monitoring agencies confirming its occurrence and impact. While the earthquake caused noticeable tremors in various cities, it was not expected to result in severe damages. The ongoing geological activity in Ethiopia, marked by both earthquakes and landslides, underscores the importance of continued public awareness and preparedness in face of natural disasters.
Original Source: borkena.com
