Seismic Activity Escalates in Oromiya, Ethiopia: 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Prompts Evacuations

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Oromiya, Ethiopia, affecting over 250,000 residents. Occurring at 11:28 p.m. local time, the quake’s epicenter was near Fentale volcano, prompting evacuations due to fears of volcanic eruptions. No injuries have been reported, but previous earthquakes caused damage, and officials advise residents to evacuate for safety.

On Friday night, a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Oromiya, Ethiopia, affecting over 250,000 residents. The quake occurred at approximately 11:28 p.m. local time, with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirming a shallow depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) and an epicenter roughly 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) NNE of Metahāra, near Fentale volcano, an area recently active in terms of both volcanic and seismic disturbances.

The series of earthquakes ignited widespread evacuations as fears of a volcanic eruption grow. As a precaution, around 80,000 people have already been evacuated due to seismic activity, having witnessed repeated quakes since December 2024.

Residents across Oromiya reported strong tremors late Friday, with many expressing concerns about safety amid major rift openings on exit routes. “We heard a big noise from the ground; it sounds like a gun salute,” stated Ado Ali, a mother from Awash Fentale, emphasizing the urgency of evacuation.

Concerns heightened among those near Fentale volcano following the latest quake, with reports of new fissures and stunning geological changes. “The rift created following the earthquake is now going from Dofan to Fentale Mountain,” noted Hassan Kamil, a local resident, illustrating the physical impact of the earthquake.

Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported at this time, although prior earthquakes had already caused damage within the region. The ongoing seismic activity has led to significant destruction of homes, and while evaluations of damage from Friday’s earthquake are pending, the situation remains critical.

Ethiopia’s Oromiya region, home to approximately 500,000 residents, has been under stress from a continuous swarm of earthquakes since December 2024. This activity raised fears of an impending volcanic eruption, prompting officials to mandate evacuations to safeguard lives and properties. More than 80,000 individuals have left their homes to escape the dangers of both earthquakes and potential eruptions, contributing to a humanitarian crisis in the area.

In conclusion, the 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Oromiya, Ethiopia, marks a significant event amid ongoing seismic activity in the region. With the threat of volcanic eruptions and the evacuation of thousands of residents, safety remains a primary concern. The situation calls for continuous monitoring and assistance from governmental and humanitarian organizations to ensure the wellbeing of affected populations.

Original Source: www.thetravel.com