Evacuations underway after 5.8 magnitude earthquake hits Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

Evacuations are underway in Abomsa, central Ethiopia following a 5.8 magnitude earthquake, the nation’s Communications Office announced Saturday.

A disaster prevention and mitigation team has been dispatched to 12 districts near the epicenter, which is home to some 80,000 residents, according to a statement. But there are no reported fatalities, according to officials.

Ethiopia’s central and northeastern regions, including Awash Fentale, have been experiencing minor tremors in recent weeks, with the strongest recorded last night.

The situation was worsened by a volcanic eruption at Mount Dofan, located in a region with frequent seismic activity.

The tremors in Awash Fentale and surrounding areas – about 142 miles (230 kilometers) from Addis Ababa – have been felt as far away as the capital, raising concerns of a potential major disaster.

Panic spread across Addis Ababa as residents reported feeling the quake around 4.00 am (0100GMT), sparking widespread discussion on social media.

In recent weeks, more than a dozen minor earthquakes have been recorded in the Awash Fentale area, heightening concerns about escalating seismic activity.

The rising magnitude, from 4.0 to nearly 6.0, along with five recorded tremors in the region, suggests that the seismic activity is becoming both more frequent and more powerful.