A M6.0 earthquake struck near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia on February 14, 2025. With a depth of 10 km, approximately 45,000 people experienced strong shaking. A Green alert was issued, indicating low risk of significant damage. The quakes, associated with magma movement, caused evacuations, infrastructural damage, and raised concerns about the Kesem/Sabure Dam’s safety.
On February 14, 2025, a strong and shallow earthquake measuring M6.0 occurred near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia at 20:28 UTC (23:28 local time). The earthquake, with a reported depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), was recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The epicenter was situated approximately 6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles) north-northeast of Metahara and 26 kilometers (16 miles) west of Awash.
About 45,000 individuals experienced very strong shaking, while 37,000 felt strong shaking, and another 147,000 reported moderate shaking. The USGS issued a Green alert, indicating a low likelihood of fatalities and significant economic losses due to the earthquake. Despite this, most structures in the affected region are highly vulnerable to seismic activity, especially adobe block buildings and informal constructions.
The recent tremor is the most significant in a series of earthquakes linked to magma movement within the Fentale volcanic complex since December 2024. Approximately 80,000 residents from Oromiya and Afar regions have been advised to evacuate from high-risk areas, as the government initiates relocations to enhance safety in the wake of potential geological hazards.
These earthquakes have caused considerable damage, affecting homes, health facilities, educational institutions, roads, and vital infrastructure. At least two individuals sustained injuries during the events. Moreover, concerns over expanding ground fissures threaten the safety of the Kesem/Sabure Dam, which holds a large volume of water, raising fears of catastrophic flooding downstream in the event of structural failure.
The M6.0 earthquake near Fentale volcano highlights the ongoing seismic risks in central Ethiopia, particularly due to volcanic activity. The event has led to significant community impact and damage, necessitating extensive evacuation efforts. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while emphasizing the importance of safety measures for the vulnerable population in the region.
Original Source: watchers.news
