Impact of 5.5 Magnitude Earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar Region
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Afar region, causing significant destruction and panic. The quake was centered 45 kilometers north of Awash City and felt in various parts of the country, including Addis Ababa. The Afar region’s geological setting makes it prone to seismic activity, although major earthquakes are seldom. Limited infrastructure hampers rescue efforts, complicating aid delivery amid existing drought challenges.
On Sunday, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 struck Ethiopia’s Afar region, inciting widespread panic and destruction among residents. The epicenter was located approximately 45 kilometers north of Awash City, an area known for its geological volatility. Although earthquakes are not uncommon in Ethiopia, the scale of this incident is significant given the region’s sparse infrastructure and previous seismic activities.
The tremor, which occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, reverberated throughout the country, including the capital city, Addis Ababa. In recent weeks, Ethiopia has experienced several seismic events; notably, a 5.2 magnitude quake occurred east of Adigrat City on February 23, and earlier this month, a 6.0 magnitude quake near Metahara City was recorded, although it caused little damage.
Ethiopia lies along the East African Rift, a tectonic border where the African continent is slowly splitting, making it susceptible to seismic activities. However, large earthquakes are relatively rare in the area. The earthquake has exacerbated existing challenges in the region, already impacted by droughts and resource scarcity, further complicating emergency responses.
The Anohara region’s limited infrastructure has hindered rescue operations, with many villages isolated due to damaged communication lines and power outages. Despite these obstacles, the national government is responding by dispatching medical teams and food supplies to the affected areas, although logistical challenges may delay assistance.
Authorities have warned citizens to remain cautious due to the possibility of aftershocks in the coming days. An assessment of the earthquake’s damage is expected to take place in the following days as rescue efforts continue, reflecting the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
The recent earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar region serves as a reminder of the geological challenges the area faces. Despite the rarity of such large-scale seismic events, the region’s vulnerability is highlighted by existing humanitarian issues, such as resource scarcity and drought. Effective emergency response will be critical as authorities navigate the challenges of providing aid to affected populations and assessing the extent of the damage. Vigilance from residents is advised as aftershocks are anticipated in the near future.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
