On Friday night, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit Oromiya, Ethiopia, affecting over 250,000 individuals and prompting 80,000 evacuations amid fears of volcanic eruption from Fentale. The tremor has heightened concerns of seismic activity since December 2024, impacting local residents, prompting government evacuations, and resulting in geological disturbances in the area.
Ethiopia experienced a significant 6.0 magnitude earthquake near the densely populated Oromiya region on Friday night, with over 250,000 individuals reporting intense shaking. The tremor occurred at approximately 11:28 p.m. local time at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), with the epicenter situated about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) NNE of Metahāra, a location characterized by ongoing volcanic and seismic disturbances since late December.
In response to continuing seismic activity, authorities have evacuated approximately 80,000 residents from the area surrounding the Fentale volcano, which has shown signs of volcanic activity. The earthquake on Friday marked the most powerful tremor recorded since the onset of these quakes, heightening fears of a potential volcanic eruption. The evacuation is being implemented to ensure the safety of those living in proximity to the active geological features.
Residents within Oromiya reported the powerful shaking, which left them feeling unsafe due to significant fissures along major roads hindering evacuation efforts. “We heard a big noise from the ground; it sounds like a gun salute,” stated Ado Ali, a local mother, highlighting the panic among the residents as they sought refuge amid the disturbances.
Concerns over potential damage remain, particularly to the homes and infrastructure in the Volcanic Fentale area, which is already vulnerable from previous seismic events beginning in late December. While no immediate injuries or destruction have been documented at this time, officials emphasize the urgency of the evacuation as aftershocks continue to threaten stability in the region.
Oromiya’s population, approximately 500,000, has been significantly affected by the ongoing earthquake swarm, which has displaced countless individuals since December 2024. The government has reiterated the necessity for residents, particularly those who have not yet evacuated, to take precautions as stronger tremors have been felt, raising alarms regarding the imminent threat of volcanic activity.
The series of earthquakes affecting the region has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with ongoing efforts to assist displaced populations and mitigate risk in vulnerable areas. With experts monitoring the situation closely, the potential for further seismic events and volcanic eruptions remains a primary concern for both local residents and authorities.
Government officials are ardently urging remaining residents to evacuate promptly in light of the continuous threats presented by the seismic activities. As citizens flee from damage-prone habitats, safety remains a priority in the decision-making process regarding disaster response and preparedness.
In summary, a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Oromiya, Ethiopia, affecting over 250,000 residents and prompting the evacuation of about 80,000 individuals due to fears of a volcanic eruption from the nearby Fentale volcano. Authorities have reiterated the importance of evacuating those still in the area, as seismic activity continues to pose significant risks. The government is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of its inhabitants amidst a humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing earthquake swarm.
Original Source: www.thetravel.com
