Powerful Earthquake Causes Panic and Destruction in Ethiopia’s Afar Region
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Afar region, resulting in significant destruction and panic. The epicenter was 45 kilometers north of Awash City, and the tremor was felt in areas including Addis Ababa. The region’s infrastructure hindered emergency response efforts amidst existing challenges like drought. Authorities caution citizens about possible aftershocks and ongoing assessments of damage.
On Sunday, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck the Afar region in northeastern Ethiopia, resulting in extensive devastation and widespread panic among the populace. The epicenter was located approximately 45 kilometers north of Awash City, an area recognized for its geological instability. While earthquakes are not uncommon, destructive tremors of this magnitude are still relatively rare in the region.
The earthquake was registered at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, which enabled the tremor to be felt in various parts of the country, including the capital, Addis Ababa. In recent weeks, Ethiopia has experienced several earthquakes, highlighting the region’s geological vulnerability. Notably, a 5.2 magnitude quake occurred on February 23, demonstrating the ongoing seismic activity.
According to an international earthquake-tracking website, while Ethiopia lacks the seismic activity levels found in other parts of the world, the Afar region is situated on the East African Rift, a tectonic boundary characterized by a gradual split of the African continent. This geological setting makes the region susceptible to seismic events, albeit with rare destructive outcomes.
Emergency responders face challenges due to the sparse infrastructure in Afar, as many villages remain isolated with disrupted communication and power outages. The national government has mobilized additional resources including medical teams and food supplies; however, delivering assistance to remote areas may require considerable time.
The earthquake occurs amidst pressing challenges, including drought conditions and limited resource availability in the region. Authorities have advised citizens to stay vigilant for aftershocks, with assessments of damage expected as rescue efforts progress in the coming days.
The recent earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar region has inflicted notable destruction and instilled fear among residents. Characterized by its geological instability, the Afar area is prone to seismic activity despite the rarity of large quakes. As the national government activates emergency responses, challenges remain in reaching affected areas, compounded by ongoing drought conditions. Continued vigilance against aftershocks is advised as assessments of the damage are underway.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
