Panic and Destruction Following Earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar Region

A powerful earthquake of 5.5 magnitude hit Ethiopia’s Afar region, triggering panic and widespread destruction. It was felt as far as Addis Ababa. Despite the limited seismic activity in the country, such events are not unprecedented in the Afar area. Response efforts have commenced, although infrastructure challenges pose significant obstacles for aid delivery.

On Sunday, a significant earthquake registering 5.5 on the Richter scale struck Ethiopia’s Afar region, leading to widespread panic and destruction among local residents. The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 45 kilometers north of Awash City, an area known for its seismic activity. The tremor was felt across several parts of Ethiopia, including the capital city of Addis Ababa, indicating its substantial impact.

The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, akin to the cruising altitude of a commercial airliner. Although Ethiopia generally experiences less seismic activity than many other regions, the Afar area falls within the East African Rift, where tectonic movements occur due to the continental split. This geological context, while causing occasional earthquakes, generally sees significant destructive events as rare occurrences.

Recent reports confirm that Ethiopia has been experiencing a series of seismic events, with a 5.2-magnitude earthquake occurring east of Adigrat City on February 23 and a 6.0-magnitude quake near Metahara City earlier this month. Fortunately, the latter did not result in considerable destruction due to its location. The country’s infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, has suffered, posing considerable challenges for emergency responders attempting to reach impacted communities that remain isolated without phone service and electricity.

In response to the disaster, the national government has mobilized additional resources, including medical teams and food supplies. However, the delivery of aid to remote villages may face delays. This earthquake compounds existing issues in the Afar region, which is already grappling with drought conditions and a dire need for resources. Authorities are advising residents to exercise caution as aftershocks are anticipated in the coming days, with damage assessments ongoing as rescue operations progress.

The recent earthquake in Ethiopia’s Afar region has highlighted the vulnerabilities of the area, exacerbating existing humanitarian challenges while disrupting community infrastructure. Despite governmental efforts to provide relief, continued aftershocks and damage assessment will be pivotal in addressing the immediate needs of the affected population. As the situation unfolds, monitoring will be crucial to ensure timely assistance and recovery.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke