M5.5 Earthquake Near Dofen Volcano: Impacts and Ongoing Crisis in Ethiopia

An M5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Afar region on March 16, 2025, at a shallow depth of 10 km. Over 6,000 people felt severe shaking, leading to a low alert from USGS for casualties and losses. The seismic activity is part of a prolonged crisis linked to the Dofen volcano, prompting evacuations and raising concerns about local dam safety and potential volcanic eruptions.

A recent M5.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Afar region of Ethiopia on March 16, 2025, at 18:53 UTC, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This earthquake was measured at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and was confirmed by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The epicenter was positioned approximately 46 kilometers south of Awash, 63.8 kilometers south-southwest of Metahara, and 55.5 kilometers east of the Dofen volcano.

An estimated 6,000 individuals experienced severe shaking, while about 26,000 reported very strong shaking, and an additional 14,000 felt strong tremors. The USGS has issued a Green alert regarding possible shaking-related fatalities and economic impacts, indicating a low probability of significant casualties and damage. Most structures in the affected area are susceptible to earthquake shaking; however, some resistant buildings do exist.

Recently, the region has faced secondary hazards, including landslides that have compounded potential losses. A moderate aftershock of M4.3 occurred at 21:20 UTC, approximately 47 kilometers southeast of Abomsa, also at a depth of 10 kilometers. The seismic events contribute to a seismo-volcanic crisis affecting the Dofen volcano area, which began on December 22, 2024, characterized by a series of moderate to strong quakes and geological disturbances.

Following a significant M5.7 earthquake on January 4, 2025, widespread evacuations were initiated, displacing over 60,000 residents due to the emergence of large fissures in the ground. The Ethiopian Geological Institute has noted the formation of a new vent near Mount Dofen, which produces emissions of steam, gas, rocks, and mud, raising the risk of an eruption—the first in recorded history for this volcano.

Concerns about the stability of the Kesem/Sabure Dam, situated downstream, have also been highlighted. Despite being engineered to endure earthquakes up to magnitude M5.6, the ongoing seismic activity poses a risk of structural failure, potentially leading to catastrophic flooding that could endanger countless lives. Mount Dofen, standing at 1,151 meters (3,776 feet) above sea level, is located within the Main Ethiopian Rift, a highly tectonic region prone to seismic events and volcanic activities due to the continuous movement of tectonic plates and magma intrusion below the surface.

In summary, the M5.5 earthquake near Dofen volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region has raised significant concerns due to the seismic activity, potential volcanic hazards, and the impact on local infrastructure. Evacuations have been necessitated by previous seismic events, indicating a growing crisis that threatens both lives and property. Reports emphasize the vulnerable building structures in the region and highlight the precarious condition of the Kesem/Sabure Dam, necessitating immediate attention and mitigation efforts to safeguard the population.

Original Source: watchers.news