Recent earthquake activity in the Fantale mountain area of Ethiopia's Afar region has prompted urgent calls for preparedness. While tremors have reached Addis Ababa, experts currently do not anticipate significant damage.
However, the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission is launching immediate preparedness efforts to mitigate potential future damage to lives and property, Commissioner Ambassador Shiferaw Teklemariam announced following visits to affected areas. These efforts include relocating residents to safer locations and providing support. The Commissioner also stressed the importance of calm, accurate information dissemination to prevent public panic.
The earthquakes, which began on December 10th, are increasing in frequency, intensity, and geographic impact, causing minor damage to infrastructure. Experts explain that the ongoing tectonic activity in the Aden Gulf, East Africa, and the Red Sea Rift Valley, a process millions of years in the making, contributes to the seismic activity. The area's location within the Great Rift Valley, stretching from Afar to the Red Sea, makes it particularly vulnerable.
Satellite data reveals that the Fantale volcano's fault line extends 30 kilometers, with ground displacement of up to 33 centimeters. The volcano itself has risen by up to 13 centimeters, creating stress that fractures rock and triggers landslides. Earthquakes have reached magnitudes up to 5 on the Richter scale, causing cracks in the ground, damage to buildings, and disruption to roads. Experts warn that this situation demands immediate attention. The area's strategic location, traversed by the Ethiopia-Djibouti road and railway, further underscores the urgency of preparedness.
While earthquakes are inherently unpredictable, experts emphasize that damage can be mitigated through preparedness and timely information dissemination. Collaborative efforts leveraging technology are crucial for effective public communication and risk reduction.