On March 16, 2025, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake impacted Ethiopia’s Afar region, centered near Dofen volcano. A total of 6,000 people experienced severe shaking, resulting in a Green alert issued by the USGS. The region faces ongoing seismo-volcanic crises, with concerns about dam stability and displacement of over 60,000 residents due to previous quakes. Recent volcanic activity raises the risk of potential eruptions.
On March 16, 2025, a strong and shallow earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck the Afar region of Ethiopia at 18:53 UTC (21:53 LT). According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported matching details regarding the earthquake’s magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was identified approximately 46 km (28.6 miles) south of Awash, 63.8 km (39.7 miles) south-southwest of Metahara, and 55.5 km (34.5 miles) east of Dofen volcano. An estimated 6,000 individuals experienced severe shaking, with 26,000 feeling very strong shaking, while 14,000 reported strong shaking and 30,000 felt moderate impacts.
The USGS issued a Green alert, indicating a low likelihood of casualties and economic damage due to the earthquake. While some structures in the region are designed to resist seismic activity, many inhabitants reside in vulnerable buildings, primarily those constructed from informal materials and adobe blocks.
Following the initial quake, a moderate aftershock of magnitude 4.3 registered at 21:20 UTC, located 47 km (30 miles) southeast of Abomsa, Ethiopia, with a depth identical to the earlier quake. The seismic events occur in the context of an ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis affecting the region encompassing Dofen volcano since December 22, 2024.
This crisis has been characterized by numerous moderate to strong tremors, the formation of extensive ground fissures, and the emergence of a significant volcanic vent. A major earthquake of magnitude 5.7 on January 4, 2025, initiated mass evacuations due to the formation of large cracks and displaced over 60,000 residents.
Additionally, a new vent was observed near Mount Dofen on January 3, releasing substantial jets of steam and other materials, raising estrangement over a possible eruption—potentially a first in the volcano’s history. Concurrently, the Ethiopian Geological Institute noted that volcanic mudflows complicated evacuation processes.
Concerns have also been raised about the structural integrity of the Kesem/Sabure Dam, situated downstream, which was designed to withstand seismic levels of up to magnitude 5.6. With current seismic activities surpassing this threshold, experts caution that structural failure could lead to destructive flooding, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands.
Mount Dofen, standing at an elevation of 1,151 m (3,776 feet) above sea level, is located within the Main Ethiopian Rift and the East African Rift System, recognized for its intense tectonic activity, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and ground deformation due to tectonic plate movements and magma intrusion.
In summary, the recent M5.5 earthquake near Dofen volcano highlights the ongoing seismic and volcanic activity in Ethiopia’s Afar region. With thousands displaced and concerns over infrastructure stability, particularly regarding the Kesem/Sabure Dam, the situation remains precarious. The authorities continue to monitor the region as aftershocks and additional volcanic activity pose risks to the local population. The vulnerability of many local structures further complicates this crisis.
Original Source: watchers.news
