Ethiopia’s Oromiya Region Shaken by 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Prompting Evacuations
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Oromiya, Ethiopia, affecting 250,000 residents and prompting evacuation due to volcanic eruption concerns. Witnesses reported significant tremors, with the earthquake being the strongest in a swarm since December 2024. No casualties have been reported, but ongoing seismic activity poses risks of further eruptions and potential infrastructure damage.
A significant 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck late Friday night near the densely populated Oromiya region of Ethiopia, impacting over 250,000 residents. The earthquake occurred at approximately 11:28 p.m. local time, with a shallow depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), the epicenter located about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) north-northeast of Metahāra, close to the Fentale volcano, a site of recent volcanic and seismic activity since December.
As seismic activity continues, heightened by fears of a volcanic eruption, approximately 80,000 residents have been evacuated. Local communities reported strong vibrations and significant concern regarding the structural integrity of escape routes, with major gaping fissures appearing in nearby roads.
Eyewitness accounts described the earthquake’s intensity; Ado Ali, a resident of Awash Fentale, commented, “We heard a big noise from the ground; it sounds like a gun salute.” Another resident, Hassan Kamil, noted the growing fissures around Fentale, signaling potential volcanic activity: “Now there are more than 10 holes in Seganto Kebele alone.”
As of this report, no injuries or fatalities have been reported, though previous tremors since December 22, 2024, damaged homes near Fentale volcano. While damages from Friday night’s earthquake are under assessment, the region remains on high alert.
Communities in the Oromiya region have suffered a persistent earthquake swarm since late December 2024, displacing many. The quake on Friday night is the most powerful recorded in this series, exacerbating the potential volcanic eruption risks linked to Fentale. Officials remain concerned for the safety of residents and are urging remaining inhabitants to evacuate, as structural vulnerabilities continue to threaten their security.
In summary, Ethiopia’s Oromiya region experienced a powerful earthquake that shook over 250,000 residents and prompted evacuations due to volcanic eruption fears. The ongoing seismic activity has displaced many, highlighting the need for immediate safety measures. Local officials are persistently encouraging residents to evacuate and remain vigilant as geological changes threaten the area’s stability.
Original Source: www.thetravel.com
