Magnitude-5.8 Earthquake Strikes Ethiopia Amid Volcanic Eruption

A magnitude-5.8 earthquake struck Ethiopia on January 4, 2025, near Addis Ababa, along with volcanic activity at Mount Dofan, prompting evacuations. Concerns arise over potential risks to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam amid ongoing disputes between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan regarding water rights.

On January 4, 2025, a magnitude-5.8 earthquake occurred in Ethiopia, affecting areas near Abomsa and Amhara, close to the capital city, Addis Ababa, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the Ethiopia Geological Institute. The earthquake struck at a depth of ten kilometers, raising concerns among geologists regarding the potential for increasingly severe tremors. Concurrently, Mount Dofan in the Afar region has erupted, leading Ethiopian authorities to vacate thousands of residents to temporary shelters due to large fissures appearing in the ground. Egyptian geologist Abbas Sheraqi believes that seismic activities may increase, posing risks to neighboring regions, particularly concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This situation arises against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia over the management and operation of the GERD, with negotiations having stalled for over a decade due to Ethiopia’s unilateral actions. Meanwhile, the international community continues to monitor these developments closely.

Recent seismic events in Ethiopia are alarming, as the region has experienced a series of earthquakes, with magnitudes escalating from 5.0 to 5.8 in quick succession. Such geological occurrences raise flags, not only due to their immediate impact on local populations but also because of implications for regional infrastructure, especially the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which has been a source of contention between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan. Mount Dofan’s volcanic eruption adds another layer of complexity, highlighting the interconnectedness of geological hazards in the region and the urgent need for effective disaster response protocols and international cooperation.

In summary, the recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake and subsequent volcanic activity in Ethiopia present significant risks to local populations and infrastructure. The situation calls for immediate evacuation measures while also spotlighting the continuing discord over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Geologists anticipate further seismic activity, which could create additional hazards in an already volatile environment, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and preparation among the affected nations.

Original Source: www.egypttoday.com