Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Hits Āwash, Ethiopia on January 4, 2025
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake occurred on January 4, 2025, near Āwash, Ethiopia, with a reported depth of 10 km. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre confirmed the quake, which was also recorded at magnitudes of 5.0 by other agencies. This incident highlights the seismic activity in the region.
On January 4, 2025, at approximately 8:01 PM local time, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck near Āwash, a city located 45 km northeast in Ethiopia’s Afar region. The tremor was recorded at a shallow depth of 10 km. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) was the first to report the earthquake, with additional reports noting slight variations in magnitude, including 5.0 by the citizen-seismograph network RaspberryShake and German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ).
Earthquakes, caused by tectonic shifts, can vary in magnitude and depth, impacting the degree of damage experienced. The magnitude of an earthquake measures its energy release, while its depth reflects how far beneath the Earth’s surface the tremors occur. Shallow earthquakes, such as this one at 10 km, have the potential for more considerable impacts on the surface than deeper quakes, making them particularly significant.
The 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Ethiopia serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity, primarily due to tectonic plate movements. Monitoring agencies recorded varied magnitudes, underscoring the importance of accurate seismic analysis. Continued awareness and preparedness are critical in regions susceptible to earthquakes.
Original Source: www.wam.ae
