Strong M6.0 Earthquake Strikes Near Fentale Volcano in Ethiopia
On February 14, 2025, a M6.0 earthquake occurred near Fentale volcano, Ethiopia, at a shallow depth of 10 km. The quake affected over 147,000 individuals with varying degrees of intensity, prompting a Green alert for fatalities and losses. Authorities are relocating residents from vulnerable areas due to ongoing seismic concerns and potential threats to nearby infrastructure, such as the Kesem/Sabure Dam.
A powerful earthquake, measuring M6.0, struck near the Fentale volcano in Ethiopia on February 14, 2025, at 20:28 UTC. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the epicenter’s depth at 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed identical readings regarding magnitude and depth.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located roughly 6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles) NNE of Metahara, a town with a population of 23,403, and 26 kilometers (16 miles) W of Awash, home to about 11,415 individuals. It is estimated that approximately 45,000 people experienced very strong shaking, while others felt strong and moderate tremors.
The USGS has issued a Green alert for potential fatalities and economic damages related to the shaking, indicating a low probability of casualties or significant destruction. Nonetheless, the local population resides in structures largely susceptible to seismic activity, such as adobe block and various informal material constructions.
This earthquake represents the strongest seismic event observed in the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis in the region since December 22, 2024. These seismic activities are associated with magma movement within the Fentale volcanic complex, located in the Main Ethiopian Rift.
Recent seismic activity has raised concerns with approximately 80,000 residents in the affected Oromiya and Afar regions being urged to evacuate since January. The Ethiopian government has begun relocating individuals from high-risk zones to safer areas.
Emerging fissures have also heightened fears regarding the Kesem/Sabure Dam, which possesses considerable water volume. A structural failure of this dam could precipitate catastrophic flooding downstream, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands, especially since the dam is only designed to endure tremors up to M5.6.
The past earthquakes have inflicted damage on residential properties, health centers, schools, roads, and other vital infrastructures, with reports of at least two injuries. Authorities remain vigilant as the risk of secondary hazards, such as landslides, continues to persist in the region.
In summary, a significant M6.0 earthquake struck near Fentale volcano in Ethiopia, prompting an alert regarding potential casualties and infrastructural damage. The local government is actively relocating residents from risk-prone areas as it addresses the aftermath of this seismic event. Continued monitoring of geological activities is essential given the potential risks associated with the region’s unique geological characteristics and vulnerable construction standards.
Original Source: watchers.news
