On March 16, 2025, a M5.5 earthquake struck the Afar region near Dofen volcano, causing significant shaking felt by thousands. The USGS issued a Green alert for low casualties and damage risk. This event is part of a larger seismo-volcanic crisis marked by recent earthquakes and a potential eruption near Mount Dofen. Concerns about the Kesem/Sabure Dam’s stability also persist due to ongoing seismic activity.
On March 16, 2025, a significant M5.5 earthquake struck near Dofen volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake occurred at 18:53 UTC, with a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed the same details regarding the magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was situated approximately 46 km south of Awash, 63.8 km south-southwest of Metahara, and 55.5 km east of Dofen volcano. It is estimated that around 6,000 individuals experienced severe shaking, while 26,000 felt very strong vibrations, 14,000 experienced strong tremors, and 30,000 encountered moderate shaking.
In response to the earthquake, the USGS has issued a Green alert pertaining to shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. Fortunately, the likelihood of casualties and significant damage appears low due to the region’s population living in structures that, while generally vulnerable, include some resistant designs. Predominant vulnerable structures include informal constructions made of metal, timber, and adobe blocks.
Recent seismic activity has led to secondary hazards, such as landslides, which could further complicate recovery efforts. An aftershock measuring M4.3 occurred at 21:20 UTC on the same day, noted 47 km (30 miles) SSE of Abomsa, Ethiopia, also at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
The earthquakes form a part of an ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis in the Dofen volcano region that began on December 22, 2024. This crisis has been characterized by moderate to strong earthquakes, ground fissures, and a newly opened volcanic vent. Mass evacuations were initiated following an M5.7 earthquake on January 4, 2025, which resulted in large cracks appearing in the area, displacing over 60,000 residents.
Concerns about a potential eruption have arisen since a new vent near Mount Dofen began releasing steam, gas, rocks, and mud. This phenomenon represents a concerning first for the volcano in its recorded history. The Ethiopian Geological Institute noted that volcanic mudflows have complicated evacuation efforts.
In conjunction with volcanic activity, there are escalating worries about the Kesem/Sabure Dam’s structural integrity. The dam, which is designed to withstand earthquakes up to M5.6, could face perilous consequences due to the region’s intense seismic activity, potentially leading to catastrophic flooding affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
Mount Dofen, with an elevation of 1,151 m (3,776 feet) above sea level, is situated within the Main Ethiopian Rift, part of the East African Rift System (EARS). This area is known for its tectonic activity, including frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and ground deformation due to continuous tectonic plate divergence and magma intrusion beneath the Earth’s surface.
In summary, the M5.5 earthquake near Dofen volcano underscores the ongoing seismic unrest in Ethiopia’s Afar region. With significant numbers of people reportedly feeling the tremors, the USGS issued a Green alert indicating low fatalities and damage risk. Evacuations and assessments continue in light of previous seismic activity and emerging volcanic threats, particularly concerning the structural integrity of vital infrastructure such as the Kesem/Sabure Dam. This situation reflects the area’s vulnerability and the need for preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
Original Source: watchers.news
