Ethiopia Experiences 4.9 Magnitude Earthquake with Tremors Felt in Capital
A 4.9 magnitude earthquake occurred in Ethiopia on Sunday evening, with tremors felt in the capital, Addis Ababa, and surrounding areas. The quake, recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers and centered in Awash Fentale, was confirmed by government communications. While no significant damage was reported, the event follows a series of seismic activities and severe landslides that have recently affected the country.
On Sunday evening, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Ethiopia at a depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was identified in the Awash Fentale region, approximately 165 kilometers southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa, as confirmed by the Government Communication Services via social media. The seismic event occurred around 9:00 PM local time, and tremors were reported in several areas including the capital, Metehara to the southeast, and Kombolcha to the north. The geological reporting outlet, Volcano Discovery, included the Ethiopian quake in its list of ten significant earthquakes recorded globally within the preceding 24 hours, which also featured events in Canada and the United States. The specific coordinates of the epicenter were noted as 9.1287°N / 40.3209°E. Preliminary seismic data suggested that while the earthquake was felt by numerous individuals close to the epicenter, it was unlikely to have resulted in extensive damage, with minor incidents such as items falling from shelves and broken windows reported. However, it is worth noting that differing information was provided by Volcano Discovery, which stated that the quake occurred near Harari, about 41 kilometers northwest of Gelemso, Oromiya, at approximately 8:10 PM, local time. During this event, the magnitude of the tremors felt in adjacent regions was categorized as ‘moderate’. Additionally, the Ethiopian government communicated that minor seismic activities had been recorded in the days leading up to this event, expressing that they did not anticipate any severe occurrences. It is critical to highlight that Ethiopia has recently experienced unprecedented landslides resulting in significant loss, with over 300 lives lost in various parts of the country over the last few months.
Ethiopia has increasingly faced geological instability, as evidenced by recent unprecedented landslides and the experiences of seismic activities such as the recent earthquake. The country lies in a tectonically active region, which is susceptible to earthquakes and related phenomena. The local government’s response to such events often includes monitoring of seismic activity and possible anticipatory public safety measures. The recent earthquake highlights the ongoing issues of geological risks that the population faces, alongside their responses to previous environmental challenges.
In conclusion, the recent 4.9 magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia underlines the country’s vulnerability to seismic events and continuing challenges posed by natural disasters. The impact, although not catastrophic in this instance, reflects ongoing geological concerns that authorities and citizens alike must navigate. Continued monitoring and preparedness become increasingly vital as the nation deals with various forms of natural adversity.
Original Source: borkena.com
