Recurring earthquakes around the eastern part of Ethiopia have sparked concern among the public as experts and authorities called for calm and vigilance.
According to the latest data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), at least 10 earthquakes have occurred in central Ethiopia over the past two days, with the majority impacting areas around Awash Fentale and Metehara towns.
While speaking to the national broadcaster, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, Elias Lewi, director of Geophysics and Space Science at Addis Ababa University, confirmed that the Awash Fentale area has experienced recurrent seismic activities over the past weeks.
The expert highlighted that these recurring earthquakes are mostly driven by continuous tectonic activity in the region, particularly movements within basaltic rock formations. He also stated that these geological processes would likely sustain the frequency of seismic events in the area.
As frequent earthquakes of varying magnitudes continue to impact the Awash Fentale mountain area since late September 2024, the public is being urged to follow safety protocols, given the unusual nature of such events in the East African country.
The majority of the successive earthquakes in the area were of moderate intensity with a few reaching magnitudes of 5 or higher. The quakes caused repeated tremors that were felt as far as the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, approximately 150 kilometers to the west, and surrounding areas. This unusual sequence of events has sparked concern among residents both in the city and beyond.
Experts and authorities advised citizens to stay calm and vigilant, especially in areas known for seismic activity, since the region is located within the tectonically active East African Rift system.
(With input from Xinhua)
