On February 14, 2025, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia. The quake, with a depth of 10 kilometers, affected approximately 80,000 individuals prompting evacuations. The USGS issued a Green alert while assessing low likelihood for fatalities but highlighted vulnerabilities in housing. Concerns persist regarding infrastructure, particularly the nearby Kesem/Sabure Dam, amid ongoing seismic activity linked to volcanic unrest.
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia at 20:28 UTC on February 14, 2025, with a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
The epicenter was situated 6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles) north-northeast of Metahara in Oromiya and 26 kilometers (16 miles) west of Awash in the Afar region. Approximately 45,000 people experienced very strong shaking, while 37,000 felt strong and 147,000 moderate tremors.
A Green alert regarding potential shaking-related casualties and economic impacts has been issued by the USGS, indicating low likelihood for injuries or damage. However, residents in the affected region live in structures that are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, such as adobe block dwellings and informal constructions made of metal and timber.
This earthquake marks the most significant event in the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis that has impacted this region since December 22, 2024, with believed connections to magma movement beneath the Fentale volcanic complex within the Main Ethiopian Rift.
Following the unrest, approximately 80,000 people in the Oromiya and Afar regions have been urged to evacuate, with governmental efforts to relocate those in high-risk zones to safer areas.
Damage has been reported to residential homes, healthcare facilities, schools, roads, and critical infrastructure, with at least two individuals sustaining injuries resulting from recent seismic activities. Furthermore, there are rising concerns about expanding fissures near the Kesem/Sabure Dam, which must withstand seismic events up to an M5.6, as any failure could lead to devastating floods affecting many lives downstream.
In summary, the recent magnitude 6.0 earthquake near Fentale volcano poses significant risks to the population and critical infrastructure in Oromiya and Afar regions. Despite a low likelihood of casualties indicated by USGS, the vulnerabilities of local structures and the need for continued evacuation and preventative measures are critical. Ongoing monitoring of the seismic activity and potential secondary hazards, particularly concerning the Kesem/Sabure Dam, is essential to ensure public safety.
Original Source: watchers.news
