Ethiopia’s Oromiya Region Hit by 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake; Evacuations Underway

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Oromiya, Ethiopia, on Friday night, causing significant tremors felt by over 250,000 residents. The quake’s epicenter was near Fentale volcano, raising fears of a volcanic eruption as a series of quakes have led to the evacuation of around 80,000 individuals. Fortunately, there are currently no reports of injuries or fatalities, although significant damage has occurred in previous tremors.

On Friday night, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the densely populated Oromiya region in Ethiopia, feeling intense tremors throughout the area. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at 11:28 p.m. local time at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), with an epicenter roughly 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) NNE of Metahāra, close to the Fentale volcano, which has shown increased volcanic activity recently.

The ongoing seismic activity in Ethiopia has raised alarms, leading to the evacuation of approximately 80,000 residents as authorities monitor the threat of a volcanic eruption. The recent quake was notably powerful, causing alarms among the population as fissures appeared on highways and roads, complicating escape routes for those in the affected areas.

Local residents vividly described their experiences during the earthquake. Ado Ali, a mother of four from Awash Fentale, remarked, “We heard a big noise from the ground; it sounds like a gun salute. Our animals get shocked. We were praying to get out safely.” Similarly, Hassan Kamil from Seganto expressed concerns over the increased openings developing within the landscape due to recent tremors.

Fortunately, as of this report, there have been no confirmed injuries or fatalities. However, many homes near the Fentale volcano were already in disrepair due to earlier earthquakes that began on December 22, 2024. It remains too soon to understand the full extent of the damage resulting from Friday night’s seismic event.

Ethiopia’s extraordinarily populated region of Oromiya, with around 500,000 citizens, has been experiencing an intense series of earthquakes since December 2024, displacing many families. The latest quake is the strongest to date in this continuing seismic swarm, and fears loom over the potential eruption of the Fentale volcano, prompting additional evacuations as safety measures. Government officials are continuing to urge those who have not yet evacuated to leave the area promptly.

The recent earthquake in Oromiya, Ethiopia, has exacerbated fears surrounding volcanic activity and public safety, leading to significant evacuations. With over 80,000 residents already displaced and a continued series of seismic events, authorities are on high alert, encouraging all residents to take necessary precautions amidst the ongoing threat of additional earthquakes and potential volcanic eruptions.

Original Source: www.thetravel.com