A magnitude M5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia’s Afar region on March 16, 2025, causing significant tremors felt by thousands. The USGS issued a Green alert due to low expected casualties and damage. The quake is part of a broader seismo-volcanic crisis impacting Mount Dofen, raising concerns about potential eruptions and structural threats to surrounding infrastructure.
On March 16, 2025, a significant earthquake measuring M5.5 struck the Afar region in Ethiopia at 18:53 UTC, with a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). This seismic event was corroborated by both the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 46 kilometers south of Awash and 55.5 kilometers east of Dofen volcano.
An estimated 6,000 individuals experienced severe shaking, while 26,000 reported very strong tremors, and 14,000 felt strong shaking, with an additional 30,000 experiencing moderate effects. The USGS has issued a Green alert indicating a low likelihood of casualties and economic damage from this earthquake. However, the region’s buildings, primarily informal structures and adobe block constructions, are vulnerable to seismic events.
The recent geological activity forms part of an ongoing crisis that began on December 22, 2024, characterized by various moderate to strong earthquakes, significant fissures, and the emergence of a volcanic vent near Mount Dofen. Following an earlier M5.7 earthquake on January 4, 2025, mass evacuations ensued due to the appearance of extensive cracks in the ground, leading to the displacement of over 60,000 residents.
On January 3, the new vent near Mount Dofen exhibited unusual activity, including jets of steam, gas, rocks, and mud, raising fears of a historical eruption. Complications from volcanic mudflows hindered evacuation processes. Furthermore, concerns were also voiced about the Kesem/Sabure Dam’s structural integrity, as it holds a significant volume of water and was designed to withstand quakes up to M5.6. With recent seismic activities surpassing this threshold, a potential structural failure could pose a catastrophic flooding risk to nearby populations.
Mount Dofen is part of the tectonically active East African Rift System, which frequently experiences earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and ground deformation due to ongoing tectonic plate movements and magma intrusion.
In conclusion, the M5.5 earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar region represents a significant geological event amidst an ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis. Evacuation efforts have been complicated by potential volcanic eruptions and concerns regarding the structural integrity of local infrastructure such as the Kesem/Sabure Dam. The heightened seismicity in this tectonically active area underscores the need for comprehensive risk assessment and preparedness to safeguard local populations.
Original Source: watchers.news
