M6.0 Earthquake Near Fentale Volcano Raises Concerns Over Safety in Ethiopia
A strong earthquake measuring M6.0 struck near Fentale volcano, Ethiopia, on February 14, 2025. The quake occurred at a depth of 10 km and impacted around 80,000 people, prompting evacuations. Structural vulnerabilities in the region could lead to significant risks, particularly concerning the Kesem/Sabure Dam.
On February 14, 2025, a significant earthquake, measured at M6.0 by the US Geological Survey (USGS), struck near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia. Occurring at 20:28 UTC at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), the quake’s epicenter was approximately 6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles) north-northeast of Metahara and 26 kilometers (16 miles) west of Awash. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed the same magnitude and depth.
The earthquake was felt by approximately 45,000 individuals, resulting in very strong shaking, while around 37,000 experienced strong tremors and 147,000 reported moderate shaking. The USGS issued a Green alert regarding potential fatalities and economic damages, indicating a low likelihood of significant casualties even though the structures in the vicinity are predominantly vulnerable to seismic activities.
In contrast to resistant structures, many buildings, particularly adobe blocks and informal constructions, are susceptible to earthquake damage. Recent seismic incidents in this area have underscored the risk of secondary hazards such as landslides, which have contributed to damages in the region. Notably, this earthquake marks the most substantial seismic event since the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis began in December 2024, likely linked to magma movement in the Fentale volcanic complex.
Since January, approximately 80,000 residents in Oromiya and Afar regions have been urged to evacuate due to risks associated with volcanic activity and earthquakes. The government is actively relocating individuals from high-risk zones to safer areas to minimize potential threats. The earthquakes have already led to damage to critical infrastructure, including homes, health facilities, schools, roads, and medical centers, resulting in at least two reported injuries.
Concerns also arise regarding expanding fissures near the Kesem/Sabure Dam, which stores a significant volume of water. Structural failure of this dam poses a potential catastrophic flooding risk to downstream communities, endangering hundreds of thousands of lives, particularly as the dam is only designed to withstand seismic events up to M5.6.
In summary, the M6.0 earthquake that struck near Fentale volcano on February 14, 2025, emphasizes significant seismic risks in Ethiopia’s Oromiya and Afar regions. With thousands feeling the tremors and the potential for secondary hazards, government efforts to relocate residents from affected areas appear crucial. Furthermore, concerns about the structural integrity of the Kesem/Sabure Dam require urgent attention to prevent a possible disaster.
Original Source: watchers.news
