Earth scientist explains the link

The Afar and Oromiya regions of Ethiopia have been hit by several earthquakes and tremors since the beginning of 2025. The strongest, with a magnitude of 5.7, occurred on January 4. The US Geological Survey and the German Research Center for Geosciences reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was 142 kilometers east of the capital, Addis Ababa, located in the Oromia region. This came just one day after a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck the same area. Two more earthquakes were reported over the weekend of January 11.

The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Board is moving about 60,000 residents in the two regions to temporary shelters due to the risk of more earthquakes.

The quakes have also raised fears of volcanic eruptions because they occur near two active volcanoes, Ventale and Dauphin. Africa Conversation asked volcanologist Amdemichael Tadesse to explain what's happening beneath the Earth's surface.

How common are earthquakes in Ethiopia to trigger volcanic eruptions?

Earthquakes and volcanic activity are common in Ethiopia. The country is located in a geologically active area, the East African Rift System. But it is rare for earthquakes to directly lead to a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia.

The current episode of seismic activity is caused by magma activity in the Oromia and Afar region. Magma (molten rock) seeps into the Earth's interior beneath two volcanoes, Ventale and Dauphin, which are geographically close to each other.

Read more: Tracking the risks and benefits of volcanoes in East Africa

Ethiopia has about 50 active volcanoes. Most of them are located in the Ethiopian Rift, which is the northern part of the East African Rift System. An active volcano has magma stored deep in its crust that will likely erupt in the future. There is evidence of past eruptions at many of these active volcanoes. Some of them date back hundreds of years. In contrast, a dormant volcano has not erupted for thousands of years and shows no immediate signs of reactivation or an imminent eruption.

Why did earthquakes raise fears of volcanic eruptions?

Volcanoes and earthquakes are natural phenomena driven by the dynamic processes that shape the Earth's interior and surface.

The Earth's outer layer, the lithosphere, is made of solid rock and is divided into large sections called tectonic plates. These panels fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. It moves slowly on the more flexible layer underneath, the asthenosphere. Convection currents in the Earth's mantle drive the movement of tectonic plates.

Tectonic plates interact at their boundaries in three basic ways: they move apart, collide, or slide past each other. These interactions produce geological activity, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Most volcanoes and earthquakes occur along plate boundaries, where pressure and movement of plates break the lithosphere.

Satellite view of Vental Volcano, a dormant volcano located in Oromia, Ethiopia near Lake Basaka. Gallo Images/Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel 2025 data

Many processes associated with volcanoes can generate earthquakes. This makes seismic activity (ground shaking) a common feature of volcanic areas. Unlike pure tectonic earthquakes, earthquakes at volcanoes often occur in swarms. It can occur over periods of days to months or even years. These earthquakes associated with volcanoes are often caused by fracturing of the ground and displacement of rocks due to the movement of magma beneath the surface. Magma rising from deep within the Earth presses on the surrounding rocks. This causes it to crack and release seismic waves. This is the process currently observed in the Vintal-Dauphin area, where magma activity generates sustained seismic activity.

What can be done to mitigate the risks of volcanic eruptions now and in the future?

Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes pose risks to human life, infrastructure and the environment.

These events cannot be prevented. But its effects can be mitigated by planning and acting early.

Monitoring and early warning systems are crucial. The current magma seep I described is tracked through satellite remote sensing observations and seismic data from national and international seismic networks in Ethiopia. The tools used help detect changes in seismic activity and ground deformation, which often come before volcanic eruptions.

This data, combined with evidence collected by studying past earthquakes and volcanic events (both from historical records and geological records), can help scientists understand how often they occur, and at what magnitude and magnitude.

Detailed maps identifying areas at risk are essential. These maps guide urban planning, infrastructure development, and evacuation strategies. Locating critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools and water supplies, in high-risk areas makes it possible to prepare.

It is also important to establish effective and trustworthy communications between the scientists involved in crisis management, the authorities making the decisions, and the general public.

Early warnings and clear communication protocols must be established to quickly communicate information to affected populations. Alerts can be delivered through various means such as mobile applications, SMS, radio and public announcements. In Ethiopia, mainstream media and public announcements have been used in the past to convey important information. The use of modern technologies such as mobile platforms and local SMS-based systems can make crisis communication more efficient.

Read more: Africa is divided into two parts – here's why

Community preparedness and education are also important. Regular drills and exercises help individuals, schools and workplaces prepare for volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. In Ethiopia, the Disaster Risk Management Committee is supposed to operate preparedness systems across the country, but more can be learned from global best practices. Japan, for example, has developed a strong culture of disaster preparedness that has reduced the effects of natural hazards. This includes routine training, extensive education programs, and active community involvement.

Educating communities about signs of volcanic activity, evacuation routes, and emergency protocols enables them to act quickly and appropriately.

Governments and relief organizations should maintain reserves of emergency supplies, such as food, water, medical kits and shelter materials, to meet the immediate needs of people affected by natural disasters.

Specialized response teams with expertise in volcanology, seismology and disaster management can take rapid and coordinated action during emergency situations.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Strong infrastructure and better long-term land use planning are also key. Taking these measures can significantly reduce the damage that can be caused by volcanic eruptions and earthquake-related activities.

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