Magnitude-5.8 Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption Strike Ethiopia
A magnitude-5.8 earthquake struck Ethiopia near Addis Ababa on January 4, 2025. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, with geological experts warning of potentially larger tremors. Concurrently, Mount Dofan has erupted, prompting the evacuation of residents due to large ground fissures. Concerns arise about the impact of volcanic and seismic activity on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and regional water security.
On January 4, 2025, a magnitude-5.8 earthquake struck Ethiopia, affecting areas near Abomsa and the Amhara region, close to the capital city of Addis Ababa. According to reports from the Ethiopia Geological Institute and the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicenter was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers. Experts in seismology have noted the possibility of even stronger tremors, indicating a concerning trend of increasing seismic activity in the area.
Simultaneously, Mount Dofan in the Afar region has begun erupting, with reports of large fissures forming in the ground. In light of these developments, Ethiopian authorities have urged the evacuation of thousands of residents to temporary shelters. Professor Abbas Sheraqi, a geologist from Cairo University, has indicated that the current seismic trends could signify more intense seismic activity. He raised concerns that the volcanic eruption might result in extensive lava flows that could affect neighboring volcanoes, particularly Fentale, which is situated in a densely populated region.
Furthermore, Professor Sheraqi expressed his concerns regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), emphasizing the potential risks to neighboring countries, particularly Sudan. He stated, “We do not wish for the Renaissance Dam to collapse, as our brothers in Ethiopia live safely far from the dam. However, our concern is for our brothers in Sudan, as well as the fact that the waters of the Renaissance Dam serve as an important water reserve for Egypt.”
The strained relations between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia over the GERD have persisted for over a decade, primarily due to Ethiopia’s unilateral actions regarding dam operations without formal agreements with the downstream countries. Last year, Egypt reported a deadlock in negotiations, blaming Ethiopia’s continual refusal to engage in proposed technical or legal consensus that protects the interests of all parties involved.
Ethiopia has been experiencing a notable series of seismic activities, culminating in a significant earthquake that reached 5.8 on the Richter scale. The region has a history of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, underscoring the geologic volatility typical of the East African Rift. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been a focal point of tension among Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan, as Ethiopia continues to develop this crucial infrastructure for its energy needs, while downstream countries express concerns over water rights and security. The impending volcanic eruption adds another layer of complexity to the already fragile situation in the region, prompting authorities to take proactive measures to ensure public safety.
The recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Ethiopia, alongside the eruption of Mount Dofan, highlights the region’s geological instability and raises concerns about potential future eruptions and seismic events. As Ethiopia continues to navigate its development goals with the GERD, the implications of these natural disasters on regional water security and relationships with neighboring countries remain critical. The evacuation of residents signifies the urgent need to prioritize public safety amid these escalating natural threats and political tensions.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
