On March 16, 2025, a M5.5 earthquake occurred in Ethiopia’s Afar region near Dofen volcano, affecting thousands and prompting a Green alert from the USGS. The earthquake was part of an ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis that has displaced over 60,000 residents. Concerns regarding structural integrity of the Kesem/Sabure Dam add to the severity of the situation.
On March 16, 2025, a significant earthquake measuring M5.5 struck Ethiopia’s Afar region, particularly near the Dofen volcano. Recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and occurring at 18:53 UTC (21:53 local time), both the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) noted identical measurements. The epicenter was situated approximately 46 kilometers south of Awash and 55.5 kilometers east of Dofen volcano.
The seismic activity was felt by an estimated 6,000 individuals experiencing severe shaking, while 26,000 reported very strong, 14,000 strong, and 30,000 moderate sensations of tremors. The USGS subsequently issued a Green alert, indicating a low likelihood of fatalities or severe damage due to the quake. Despite this, the urban structures in the region largely consist of informal construction methods, rendering them vulnerable to seismic disturbances.
This recent earthquake is a continuation of the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis that has plagued the Dofen volcano area since December 22, 2024. This crisis is characterized by numerous moderate to strong earthquakes, significant ground fissures, and a newly formed volcanic vent, raising concerns about a possible eruption, marking a first in the recorded history of the Dofen volcano.
Following a preceding M5.7 quake on January 4, 2025, accompanied by the emergence of large cracks, mass evacuations were implemented, displacing over 60,000 residents due to the heightened risk. Concerns also persist regarding the stability of the Kesem/Sabure Dam located downstream, which is engineered for earthquakes up to M5.6 but faces potential structural failures due to the ongoing seismic activity.
Mount Dofen, which rises 1,151 meters above sea level, is a part of the East African Rift System, an area recognized as one of the world’s most tectonically active regions. This zone frequently experiences earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and ground deformation, attributed to tectonic plate movements and magma intrusion beneath the Earth’s surface.
In summary, the M5.5 earthquake near Dofen volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region on March 16, 2025, indicates significant seismic activity within a volatile geological environment. The low likelihood of immediate casualties contrasted with the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis highlights the precariousness of local infrastructure and the necessity for sustained monitoring and preparedness. The potential risks to lives, particularly surrounding the Kesem/Sabure Dam, emphasize the urgent need for effective disaster risk management.
Original Source: watchers.news
