Recent earthquakes in Ethiopia’s Afar region have prompted evacuations of over 80,000 people and raised concerns about the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). However, Sudanese experts, including engineer Abdelkarim El Amin, have reassured that the dam is far from the earthquake epicenters and designed to withstand seismic activity. While the potential impacts of a dam collapse could be severe for Sudan, experts emphasize the importance of scientific investigations into the environmental effects of the GERD.
The recent seismic activity in Ethiopia’s Afar region, which has included a series of earthquakes leading to the evacuation of over 80,000 people, has raised concerns regarding the potential implications for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and neighboring Sudan. However, geoscientists in Sudan have reassured the public that the quakes are located at considerable distance from the dam. The most recent quake, recorded at magnitude 8.1, occurred east of Addis Ababa, following two substantial quakes on consecutive days. Although the seismic incidents have prompted worries in Sudan, experts emphasize that the dam was designed to withstand seismic events and is situated approximately 500 kilometers from the epicenter of these quakes.
Sudanese surveying and earth sciences engineer Abdelkarim El Amin has confirmed that the seismic activity does not pose a danger to the GERD, explaining that the dam’s design accounts for earthquake resilience even at maximum capacity. Additionally, he mentioned that prior studies have evaluated the geological conditions of the sites where the dam was constructed. Although some concerns regarding the reservoir’s water level and potential leaks exist, experts consider the likelihood of these scenarios affecting the dam to be low.
El Amin also provided insight into the broader implications of a dam collapse, stating that in the event of a partial failure, vast regions in Sudan, particularly those along the Blue Nile basin, would face significant flooding, impacting existing dams and surrounding infrastructures. He advocates for a collaborative investigation involving scientists and experts to holistically address the environmental impacts of the GERD, independent from political influences. This concerted effort would entail an objective assessment of water resources throughout the Nile Basin.
In light of ongoing seismic activity in the Afar region of Ethiopia, which has seen an increase in earthquake occurrences over recent weeks, concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. This dam is a critical infrastructure project intended to transform Ethiopia’s energy landscape and is vital to its relationship with Sudan and Egypt. Geoscientists have sought to alleviate these concerns by asserting that the seismic activity is situated far enough from the dam to prevent any structural or operational threats. Understanding the geological considerations and the engineering of the GERD is essential to comprehending the situation.
In summary, while the earthquakes in Ethiopia’s Afar region have raised considerable alarm concerning the GERD and its subsequent implications for Sudan, experts maintain that the dam’s location and design features enable it to withstand seismic disturbances. The possibility of significant flooding in Sudan under worst-case scenarios is acknowledged, yet measures to collaboratively address environmental concerns related to this critical project are imperative. Continuing research and dialogue will be crucial for addressing these environmental challenges independently of political agendas.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
