Ethiopia: Volcanic eruption forces evacuations in #Afar’s #Dulecha district; region records highest quake at 5.8 magnitude

Following a volcanic eruption on Dofan Mountain in the Dulecha district on 03 December, 2024, local authorities have reported that efforts are underway to relocate residents to temporary shelters.

In a statement to Fana Digital, Abdulla Ali, the chief administrator of the Gabi Rasu Zone in the Afar region, confirmed that preventive measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of local residents. The official further noted that the volcanic eruption followed a series of recurring earthquakes in the area, stating that the intensity of the tremors has increased significantly this week.

On January 04, 2025, the region experienced its most powerful seismic event in recent memory—a magnitude 5.8 earthquake, recorded 56 km south-southeast of Abomsa. Earlier in the day, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake also struck 44 km northeast of Āwash at a shallow depth of 10 km.

Earlier this week, Addis Standard reported that frequent earthquakes in Awash Fentale, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, have resulted in the collapse of over 30 homes, forcing thousands of residents to flee to neighboring areas. Affected communities in Segento Kebele of the Dulecha district, near the Kessem Dam and Kessem Sugar Factory, have reported extensive damage to homes and schools, including Ungaytu School in Sabure Kebele.

Residents have described deteriorating conditions, with asphalt cracking and water seeping through fissures in the ground.

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