Earthquake Near Fentale Volcano, Ethiopia: A M6.0 Seismic Event and Its Impact
A M6.0 earthquake occurred near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia on February 14, 2025, causing significant shaking felt by tens of thousands of residents. The USGS issued a Green alert for potential fatalities and economic losses, noting that many buildings in the area are vulnerable to such seismic activity. Evacuations are ongoing as the region grapples with ongoing volcanic and seismic challenges.
On February 14, 2025, at 20:28 UTC (23:28 LT), a powerful M6.0 earthquake struck near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake’s depth at 10 km (6.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed identical magnitude and depth readings. The quake’s epicenter was situated 6.6 km (4.1 miles) NNE of Metahara, a town in the Oromiya region, and 26 km (16 miles) W of Awash in the Afar region.
Approximately 45,000 individuals experienced intense shaking, with 37,000 feeling strong tremors and around 147,000 experiencing moderate shaking. A Green alert was issued by the USGS regarding potential fatalities and economic losses due to this earthquake, indicating a low chance of severe damage or casualties. However, many residents live in structures that are particularly vulnerable to seismic activity, with predominant building types being adobe and informal constructions.
This earthquake marks the most significant tremor in the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis in the region, which began on December 22, 2024. Experts believe these seismic events are associated with magma movement within the Fentale volcanic complex located in the Main Ethiopian Rift. Since January, roughly 80,000 individuals in the surrounding Oromiya and Afar regions have been urged to evacuate from high-risk areas as part of government efforts to enhance safety.
Recent earthquakes have resulted in damages to numerous vital infrastructures such as homes, health centers, and educational facilities, leading to injuries among at least two individuals. Expanding fissures have raised alarm regarding the stability of the Kesem/Sabure Dam, integral for water retention. Any structural failure of the dam could prompt devastating flooding downstream, threatening countless lives, despite its design to withstand quakes up to M5.6.
The M6.0 earthquake near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia highlights the region’s seismic vulnerabilities and the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis linked to magma movements. With thousands impacted and significant infrastructure at risk, authorities are undertaking evacuation and safety measures to mitigate potential disaster outcomes. Continuous monitoring and readiness for secondary hazards remain crucial in ensuring community safety.
Original Source: watchers.news
