M5.5 Earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar Region Raises Concerns Over Seismic Activity

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Afar region on March 16, 2025, at a shallow depth of 10 km. The quake, felt by over 76,000 people, triggered a Green alert indicating low casualty risk. Ongoing seismic activity poses dangers to local structures and has led to mass evacuations, with concerns over the stability of the Kesem/Sabure Dam and potential volcanic hazards at Dofen volcano.

On March 16, 2025, a significant earthquake measuring M5.5 occurred in the Afar region of Ethiopia at 18:53 UTC, with a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), as confirmed by both the USGS and EMSC. This earthquake was located 46 km south of Awash, 63.8 km south-southwest of Metahara, and 55.5 km east of the Dofen volcano.

Approximately 6,000 individuals experienced severe shaking, while 26,000 felt very strong tremors, 14,000 experienced strong shaking, and 30,000 reported moderate intensity. Despite the extent of the tremors, the USGS issued a Green alert highlighting a low likelihood of casualties or damage, indicating limited immediate threats to the population.

The affected area is characterized by structures that are primarily vulnerable to seismic impacts, including informal and adobe construction types. Recent tremors in the vicinity have exacerbated secondary dangers, such as landslides that may have induced losses.

An aftershock measuring M4.3 was recorded later the same day, located 47 km southeast of Abomsa. This earthquake is part of a broader seismo-volcanic crisis impacting the Dofen volcano, which has seen a series of moderate to strong earthquakes since December 2024 along with notable geological changes.

Previous seismic events have forced mass evacuations, leading to the displacement of over 60,000 individuals, with the first eruption potentially in the volcano’s history raising alarm for residents. The establishment of a new vent near Mount Dofen has resulted in hazardous volcanic activity complicating evacuation efforts, including mudflows.

Concerns also arose regarding the stability of the Kesem/Sabure Dam situated downstream, which is designed to withstand earthquakes up to M5.6. The ongoing seismic events present serious risks, as any structural failure could lead to catastrophic flooding, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands.

Mount Dofen, prominently located within the Main Ethiopian Rift, exemplifies the region’s tectonic activity, illustrating vulnerabilities such as frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to ongoing tectonic plate divergence and magma movement.

The M5.5 earthquake near Dofen volcano sheds light on the seismic vulnerability of the Afar region, highlighting significant risks associated with both earthquake-induced shaking and potential volcanic eruptions. The impact on the population necessitates continued monitoring and preparedness, particularly concerning the structural integrity of local infrastructure and the well-being of displaced residents amidst ongoing seismic activity.

Original Source: watchers.news