Following a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in central Ethiopia, evacuations are underway in Abomsa. A disaster response team is assisting in 12 districts near the epicenter, which houses around 80,000 residents. No fatalities have been reported. The region is experiencing heightened seismic activity with over a dozen tremors recorded in recent weeks.
Evacuations are currently in progress in Abomsa, a region in central Ethiopia, following a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8, as reported by the nation’s Communications Office on Saturday. A disaster prevention and mitigation team has been deployed to assist 12 districts near the earthquake’s epicenter, which is home to approximately 80,000 residents. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported thus far according to local officials.
Central and northeastern Ethiopia, specifically Awash Fentale, has encountered a series of minor tremors in recent weeks, culminating in the strongest quake which occurred last night. The seismic activity has been further complicated by an eruption at Mount Dofan, an area known for its frequent earthquakes. Tremors originating from Awash Fentale, situated around 142 miles from the capital, Addis Ababa, have been felt as far away as the city, raising alarms over a potentially devastating disaster.
The earthquake was felt around 4:00 am (0100 GMT), leading to immediate panic among the residents of Addis Ababa, who took to social media to discuss the phenomenon. In the weeks leading up to this significant tremor, the region has recorded over a dozen minor earthquakes, which has intensified concerns surrounding the increasing seismic activity. The progression from minor tremors of 4.0 to nearly 6.0 suggests a trend of escalating and more powerful seismic occurrences in this vulnerable region.
Ethiopia has been grappling with increased seismic and volcanic activity, particularly in the central and northeastern regions. The region around Awash Fentale is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, creating a hazardous environment for the local population. Recent geological events, including a substantial tremor and a volcanic eruption at Mount Dofan, have raised the potential for serious disasters. The community and government officials are on high alert to safeguard the health and safety of the residents, particularly following an increase in the magnitude and frequency of seismic events over the past weeks.
In conclusion, the evacuation efforts in response to the recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake underscore the severity of the situation in central Ethiopia. With the region experiencing a notable increase in seismic activity alongside recent volcanic eruptions, officials are working diligently to ensure the safety of those affected. As the geological stability of the region remains uncertain, continued monitoring and preparedness will be paramount for protecting the community.
Original Source: www.yenisafak.com