Ethiopia: More than 30 houses collapsed in the Away area as earthquakes intensified in Awash Final – thousands fled to neighboring areas in search of refuge

ADDIS ABABA – Residents of Awash Fental in the Afar region reported that more than 30 houses collapsed due to repeated earthquakes, forcing many to flee their homes and seek shelter in nearby areas.

An unidentified resident told Addis Standard that frequent earthquakes in the Awash Vintal and Dolisha areas caused widespread property damage, especially in Seginto Kebele in the Dolisha district, where the Kesem Sugar Factory and the Kesem Dam, which has a capacity to hold 500 million cubic liters, are located.

She stated, “The area most affected by the earthquakes is Seginto Kebele in the Dolisha region, where damage is widespread.” “The second most affected area is the Awash Final area, where houses are collapsing day after day.”

In addition to the damage to residential homes, the citizen revealed that several schools in the area were severely damaged. For example, Ongaito School, located in Saburi Kebele, Awash Vintal District, was severely damaged.

“As a result, teaching and learning activities have been disrupted since yesterday,” the source explained.

The citizen added that similar earthquakes have occurred since late September 2024, and houses that were previously damaged have now completely collapsed due to the recent, more severe tremors.

Furthermore, the informant stated that the ongoing crisis has forced many people, especially those from the Dulica area near the Kesem Sugar Factory, to flee to safer nearby locations.

“The entire community surrounding the sugar factory has left their homes. People are fleeing with whatever possessions they can carry, and are heading towards the town of Awash Siba,” one resident explained. “Those who can afford it use vehicles, while others flee on foot through the wilderness. Rural communities load their possessions on camels and leave with their livestock.”

The source also pointed out that Zone 3 in the Afar region, which includes the town of Awash Siba in addition to the areas of Fintal and Dolisha, is witnessing a major crisis due to the ongoing earthquakes.

The citizen described seeing the asphalt cracking due to the earthquakes, with the cracks widening over time. She also reported that she noticed water flowing, even inside residential homes, as the situation continued to worsen.

Another resident, Usman Abdi, reported that similar earthquakes occurred three months ago but are now recurring on a larger scale in areas such as Sabor, Bulika, Kibina and Arbihara.

“In particular, the depth of the cracks in the asphalt between Arbihara and Bulika is very severe,” he said.

Othman also noted that most of the population in the Dolicha area, especially members of the Arbiha-Adar community, fled to Awash Seba and Argoba.

Additionally, he raised concerns about the Kesem Dam, noting that rumors about its possible collapse have sparked widespread concern in the community.

“As a result, on the night of Sunday, December 28, 2024, many people abandoned their homes and belongings to flee the area,” Othman said, stressing the urgent need for the authorities to prioritize the situation in the affected areas.

Since late September 2024, the Mount Awash-Vintal region – an earthquake-prone area – has experienced a series of seismic events. Earthquakes in the area were initially classified as minor, but the intensity of earthquakes in the area increased in the following weeks, including a 4.9 magnitude earthquake in early October. This earthquake was felt not only in the Ouache-Vental area, but also in the capital, causing widespread concern.

Subsequent earthquakes continued to be recorded, with tremors reaching Addis Ababa, Afar, Dire Dawa and the surrounding areas. Although seismic activity in the region remained relatively moderate in November, it escalated again in December, culminating in a 5.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the Awash region in late December 2024. This earthquake, which On December 29, one of seven earthquakes recorded that day occurred, indicating an active seismic period. The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 14 kilometers from the city of Awash.

Experts attribute these seismic events to the East African Rift System, one of the most active geological features in the world.

In a recent interview with Addis Standard, Professor Atalay Ayele, Head of the Geotechnical Engineering Unit for Seismology and Seismology at Addis Ababa University, explained that Ethiopia sits on top of the East African Dynamic Rift System (EARS), an important geological feature.

He added, “This massive rift is constantly extending and tearing apart the African continent, causing frequent seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.” He added: “When the Earth's crust breaks and disintegrates, it causes frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, leaving an indelible mark on the Ethiopian landscape.”

While large, damaging earthquakes are fortunately rare, smaller tremors occur regularly in Ethiopia, according to Atalay.

He explained, “The strongest earthquake ever recorded in the country had a magnitude of 6.8 in 1906, and its epicenter was near the Great Rift Valley.” “This event serves as a reminder of the seismic potential of the region.”

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), 50 earthquakes have been recorded since September 2024, ranging in magnitude from 4.3 to 5.2. This total includes five earthquakes recorded in September, which rose to eight in October. While seismic activity in November was relatively moderate, with three cases recorded, it intensified in December, reaching 36 tremors.

In an interview with Addis Standard, a resident of Awash Seba, who requested to remain anonymous, described the current situation as “very dangerous.” He reported that many people from Dhaha Kebele in Awash Vintal had left their homes and belongings and headed to Awash Seba, about 43 kilometers away.

One resident explained, “A lot of people are arriving now. Those who have the means have rented houses, while others are staying with their relatives.” “Most of those who fled arrived with nothing but their children and immediate family members.”

Aden Balia, managing director of the Awash Vintal district, told Addis Standard that the latest earthquake is similar to a similar incident that occurred in late September 2024, which also caused extensive damage. However, he noted that the current earthquake brought new challenges to the region.

Aden confirmed that the primary school in the Saburi Kebele area, known as Ongaito, was damaged, which led to the disruption of classes. He also reported that a mosque in Duha Kebele suffered structural damage.

Sign up for AllAfrica's free newsletters

Get the latest African news delivered straight to your inbox

success!

Almost done…

We need to confirm your email address.

To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you.

mistake!

There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Aden said: “Currently, a technical team consisting of experts from the offices of health, education, women’s and children’s affairs, agriculture and security is working to raise awareness and provide support to the affected community.” “In addition, we are collaborating with NGOs active in the region to move vulnerable groups to safer areas.”

The Chief Administrator further stressed that coordinated efforts are underway with the regional and federal disaster prevention committees to effectively address the ongoing crisis.

Commenting on the situation to the BBC, Professor Atalay Ayele, who is also the head of the Ethiopian Seismic Network, confirmed that “there is no need to worry.”

He explained that the recent earthquakes are classified as “moderate” on the seismic scale. Atalay noted that while the impact of earthquakes depends largely on their location, the magnitude of the tremors recorded so far does not indicate serious damage.

He explained that “an earthquake measuring 3.0 on the Richter scale could cause damage if it occurred in the city center.” “However, location is a critical factor. The tremors we are currently experiencing are not considered high-magnitude events.”

Regarding the possibility of seismic activity in the future, Atalay stressed that “there is a possibility of stronger earthquakes, but the tremors could also subside over time. It is unlikely that the activity will stop completely in the near future.”

He also explained that widespread damage exceeding 160 kilometers is not expected.

“There is no need to worry too much,” Atalay reassured.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: cgurgu@internetmarketingcompany.BizWebsite: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos