Strong 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Ethiopia’s Oromiya Region, Urging Evacuations
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Oromiya, Ethiopia, late Friday night, impacting over 250,000 individuals. The quake raised evacuations and fears of volcanic activity near the Fentale volcano. No casualties have been reported, but previous earthquakes have left significant damage. Government officials are urging remaining residents to evacuate as seismic activities continue in the region.
A significant 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the densely populated Oromiya region in Ethiopia late Friday night, impacting over 250,000 individuals. The earthquake occurred at approximately 11:28 p.m. local time and was recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). The epicenter was approximately 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) north-northeast of Metahāra, adjacent to the Fentale volcano, which has faced volcanic and seismic activity since late December 2024.
A continuing series of earthquakes has led to the evacuation of approximately 80,000 residents in Ethiopia, as the region faces the revival of volcanic activity from a previously dormant volcano. Reports indicate that various earthquakes have disrupted daily life, compelling locals to seek safer shelters amidst fears of volcanic eruptions.
Residents in Oromiya and the surrounding areas expressed their distress regarding the recent seismic event, with many reporting a powerful shake. Dangerous road conditions, along with the opening of rifts along major highways, have complicated residents’ attempts to evacuate. “We heard a big noise from the ground; it sounds like a gun salute,” stated Ado Ali, a mother of four, emphasizing that the situation necessitated immediate evacuation.
Concerns continue to mount regarding the Fentale volcano’s potential eruption following this latest earthquake. Hassan Kamil, a local resident, noted the growing rift created by the earthquake and the increase in visible explosion holes. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities have been reported at this time. However, previous earthquakes preceding this event have already devastated homes in the vicinity of Fentale volcano.
Ethiopia’s most populated region, Oromiya, consisting of roughly 500,000 residents, has been experiencing a persistent swarm of earthquakes since December 2024. The recent earthquake represented the most powerful tremor thus far in this sequence of seismic activity, raising alarms over the potential eruption of nearby volcanoes, leading government officials to recommend further evacuations and public safety measures.
Officials continue to urge those who remained in the affected areas to evacuate immediately, particularly after the earthquake was described as having been felt very strongly. Evacuations have been initiated since the beginning of the year, with over 80,000 individuals having fled from homes deemed unsafe due to structural damage from preceding quakes.
In summary, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Oromiya region, affecting thousands and prompting emergency evacuations amid fears of volcanic activity. The region, which has encountered frequent seismic disturbances since late December 2024, continues to experience significant unrest as residents heed government warnings for safety. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries, but the risk of further eruptions remains a critical concern for authorities.
Original Source: www.thetravel.com
