Ethiopian Geological Institute Refutes Earthquake Claims Around GERD
The Ethiopian Geological Institute has categorically refuted claims made by some media outlets about earthquake risks near the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The Institute confirmed that geological studies indicate the GERD is not at risk of seismic activity. Director General Ijara Tesfaye emphasized that recent minor earthquakes have occurred far from the GERD and reiterated the thorough geological assessments conducted during the dam’s construction, asserting that the circulating reports are unfounded.
The Ethiopian Geological Institute has dismissed claims made by various media outlets, including Egypt Independent, that suggested the possibility of an earthquake in the vicinity of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The Institute clarified that there is no geological evidence to support these assertions. While Ethiopia is located on the East African Rift Valley, which is susceptible to seismic activity, the current situation around the GERD is stable. According to Ijara Tesfaye, the Director General of the Ethiopian Geological Institute, the recent earthquake, which occurred in Fental and registered at a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale, is classified as minor and happened far from the dam area. “The report circulated by these media outlets claiming that GERD is at risk of earthquake is a complete fabrication,” he stated. During the construction of the GERD, comprehensive geological surveys were conducted that demonstrated its secure positioning, away from earthquake-prone areas. Ijara Tesfaye emphasized that while earthquakes have occurred historically in the country, none have been close to the GERD, reasserting the findings of the risk assessments conducted for the project.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a focal point of regional tensions and controversies, particularly concerning its potential impact on water resources in downstream countries. With Ethiopia situated on the East African Rift Valley, it is inherently prone to seismic activity, which has raised concerns regarding the safety of the dam. Recent reports, particularly from Egypt Independent, have attempted to link earthquake risks to the GERD, prompting the Ethiopian Geological Institute to address these claims factually. The Institute’s efforts to clarify the geological stability of the GERD aim to dispel misinformation that could exacerbate tensions in a geopolitical context affected by the dam’s construction and its implications on water management.
The statements from the Ethiopian Geological Institute seek to mitigate concerns surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam by affirming its geological safety. The Director General’s comprehensive evaluation provides a robust rebuttal to unfounded media allegations regarding earthquake risks at the dam site. As Ethiopia continues to navigate the challenges of dam development in a geologically active region, clear and factual communications remain crucial in addressing misinformation and fostering regional relations.
Original Source: www.ena.et
