A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Dofen volcano, Ethiopia, on March 16, 2025, causing significant shaking felt by thousands. The USGS issued a Green alert for low casualties, but many structures are vulnerable. The tremors align with an ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis, escalating evacuations and raising concerns about the Kesem/Sabure Dam’s safety and potential volcanic eruptions.
On March 16, 2025, a significant earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck near the Dofen volcano in the Afar region of Ethiopia at 18:53 UTC. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed the same magnitude and depth, indicating the earthquake’s substantial impact beneath the surface.
The epicenter was identified approximately 46 kilometers south of Awash, 55.5 kilometers east of Dofen volcano, and 63.8 kilometers south-southwest of Metahara. The USGS reported that around 6,000 individuals experienced severe shaking, while approximately 26,000 felt very strong tremors, and 14,000 registered strong shaking, leading 30,000 others to experience moderate effects.
A Green alert has been issued by the USGS, suggesting a low probability of fatalities or economic losses. Nonetheless, many structures in the region remain vulnerable to seismic activity, primarily comprising informal constructions and adobe blocks, which are less resistant to earthquakes. Recent seismic events have also caused secondary hazards, such as landslides, which may have compounded potential damages.
Around 47 kilometers southeast of Abomsa, a moderate aftershock of magnitude 4.3 occurred at a similar depth later on the same day. This sequence of earthquakes forms a part of an ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis impacting the Dofen volcano area since December 22, 2024, characterized by numerous moderate to strong earthquakes and ground fissures.
Significant evacuations commenced following a magnitude 5.7 earthquake on January 4, 2025. This event led to substantial geological cracks, displacing over 60,000 residents. Shortly before, on January 3, a new volcanic vent emerged near Mount Dofen, which raised alarm due to the prospect of a volcanic eruption, the first in the history of this volcano.
In addition to volcanic concerns, the stability of the Kesem/Sabure Dam has been brought into question. Designed to endure earthquakes up to a magnitude of 5.6, the increasing seismic activity poses a risk of structural failure, which could result in catastrophic flooding affecting hundreds of thousands.
Mount Dofen, part of the Main Ethiopian Rift, is located within the East African Rift System—one of the Earth’s most seismically active areas due to ongoing tectonic interactions.
In summary, the recent 5.5 magnitude earthquake near the Dofen volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region underscores the seismic vulnerability of the area, which has faced an ongoing crisis since late 2024. While the probability of serious damage appears low, concerns regarding the structural safety of buildings, the Kesem/Sabure Dam, and the potential for future volcanic activity remain paramount. The humanitarian implications of mass evacuations also highlight the urgency of addressing these natural threats.
Original Source: watchers.news
