Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake Strikes Central Ethiopia

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck central Ethiopia late Friday night, sending tremors through the Oromiya and Afar regions, which have been experiencing heightened seismic and volcanic activity since December 2024.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), with its epicentre 6 km (3.7 miles) north-northeast of Metahara and near Fentale volcano. The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed similar readings.

Strongest Quake in Ethiopia’s Seismic Crisis

This earthquake is the strongest recorded tremor in the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis affecting Ethiopia’s Main Rift Valley since late December 2024.

Approximately 80,000 people in Oromiya and Afar have been impacted by the crisis, with thousands already evacuated due to concerns over volcanic activity and the risk of aftershocks and secondary hazards like landslides and fissures.

The USGS issued a Green Alert, indicating low likelihood of casualties or significant economic losses. However, the agency warned that many buildings in the affected region are highly vulnerable to earthquakes, especially adobe block structures and informal constructions.

Widespread Shaking Reported

• 45,000 people experienced very strong shaking
• 37,000 people felt strong tremors
• 147,000 people reported moderate shaking

Despite the intensity of the quake, there were no immediate reports of fatalities, though two people have been injured, and infrastructure damage has been reported.

Impact on Infrastructure and Evacuations

Local authorities have been relocating residents from high-risk zones, particularly around Fentale volcano, which has shown signs of magma movement and potential eruption.

The earthquakes and ground fissures have also raised serious concerns about the structural integrity of the Kesem/Sabure Dam, which holds a substantial water volume. While the dam was designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 5.6, a larger event could trigger catastrophic flooding downstream, putting hundreds of thousands of lives at risk.

Social Media Reactions and Government Response

Residents took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express solidarity with those affected, with many calling for urgent government intervention and international support for displaced communities.

The Ethiopian government has mobilized disaster response teams, focusing on:

• Assessing structural damage to homes, schools, and hospitals
• Monitoring volcanic activity near Fentale
• Ensuring food and shelter for evacuated families

A Region on Edge: What Happens Next?

Seismologists and geologists continue to monitor the region, as the risk of aftershocks and further volcanic activity remains high.

The Ethiopian government is urging people in affected areas to stay alert and follow evacuation orders while authorities work to mitigate the risks.

With the Fentale volcanic system still active, experts warn that earthquakes linked to magma movement could continue in the coming weeks, raising fears of a potential eruption.

Key Takeaways

• A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck central Ethiopia, near Fentale volcano, affecting the Oromiya and Afar regions.
• 80,000 people impacted, with thousands evacuated since January due to ongoing seismo-volcanic activity.
• The USGS issued a Green Alert, indicating low casualty risk, but buildings in the region are highly vulnerable.
• Concerns grow over the Kesem/Sabure Dam, which could pose a catastrophic flooding risk if structural damage occurs.
• Authorities are monitoring the volcanic system and urging residents to stay prepared for further seismic activity.

Focus Keyphrase: Ethiopia earthquake 2025
Meta Description: A powerful 6.0 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Oromiya region, intensifying fears amid ongoing seismo-volcanic activity. Thousands have been urged to evacuate.

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