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Friday saw a magnitude 5.5 earthquake hit northern Ethiopia, a region already grappling with the eruption of a volcano following an extended period of seismic unrest. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirmed the earthquake, while local media highlighted the potential implications of these concurrent natural events on the surrounding communities.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that the earthquake occurred roughly 55 kilometers (34 miles) northwest of the city of Asbe Teferi, originating at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles). The shallow nature of the tremor adds to its potential significance for the affected region.
Authorities have stated that no injuries have been recorded thus far. However, local media reported that a nearby volcano, which had shown signs of unrest for several months, has now erupted, compounding concerns in the area.
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Aden Bela, a local official, told the Ethiopian broadcaster EBC that the volcanic eruption had taken place at 5:30 am on Friday (1430 GMT) near Segento in the northeast Afar region
The crater had stopped releasing smoke, but lava was still flowing out of the volcano, Bela added. People and cattle have been evacuated, he said, without giving numbers.
The US Geological Survey since late September has recorded more than 67 earthquakes in the area, particularly in the Fantale region, part of the Great Rift Valley, according to the Addis Standard.
Residents in affected areas told the newspaper that more than 30 houses had collapsed where tremors have become more frequent and more violent.
“Houses are collapsing day by day,” one local resident told the newspaper.
