In early January 2025, two significant earthquakes struck central Ethiopia. The first event occurred on January 3rd: Mount Dofan, previously considered extinct, began exhibiting activity in the form of steam emissions. A few hours later, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck, with its epicenter near Mount Dofan in the Afar region. On January 4th, a stronger magnitude 5.8 earthquake was recorded, centered 142 kilometers east of the capital, Addis Ababa, at a depth of 10 kilometers. This earthquake was felt in the capital and other major cities such as Adama and Metehara. No casualties or significant damage were initially reported. However, a total of at least 10 tremors have shaken Ethiopia since January 3rd.
Why is Ethiopia Experiencing Earthquakes?
The region where the recent earthquakes occurred has a history of seismic activity. It lies within the East African Rift Zone, one of the most tectonically active regions on the planet. Several examples of past earthquakes in this region include:
- 1961: A strong magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck the Afar region in northeastern Ethiopia.
- 1983: A magnitude 5.3 earthquake in the Afar region caused considerable damage.
- 2011: A magnitude 5.2 earthquake was recorded in the Afar Triangle.
These events suggest that the Main Ethiopian Rift and the Afar Triangle are highly seismically active areas, where earthquakes occur regularly due to tectonic processes associated with the separation of the African and Arabian plates. Scientists also link the recent seismic events to the Fentale and Dofan volcanoes, located within the Main Ethiopian Rift zone.
Tectonic and Volcanic Activity Accompanied by Geothermal Processes
The Main Ethiopian Rift is part of the East African Rift System, where tectonic plates are diverging. This causes stress to accumulate in the Earth’s crust, which is periodically released as earthquakes. The volcanoes are located near the rift, making them an area of heightened seismic activity. Fentale, like Mount Dofan, is active, directly linking them to earthquakes, as the movement of magma beneath the Earth’s surface can trigger strong tremors. Additionally, significant geothermal processes, such as hot springs and steam eruptions, are observed in volcanic areas. This indicates substantial reserves of magma and hot gases beneath the surface, which contribute to earthquake occurrences.
Historically, the region has also experienced volcanic eruptions in tandem with seismic activity. This historical link allows experts to consider the volcanic activity of Fentale and Dofan when analyzing seismic events. For reference:
- Fentale Volcano: An active volcano located in central Ethiopia near the Main Ethiopian Rift Zone. Its last eruption was in 1820. The volcano is often mentioned in the context of seismic activity due to its location.
- Mount Dofan: Located in the Afar region within the East African Rift. It unexpectedly displayed activity in the form of steam emissions in January 2025, prompting evacuations.
Events Unfolding with Threatening Speed and Force
Experts monitoring the region’s seismic activity have noted that events of this nature are increasing in scale and frequency. This week, an earthquake measuring up to 5.8 on the Richter scale was recorded. It was felt in the capital, Addis Ababa, and cities like Adama and Metehara. Residents of high-rise buildings felt the tremors most strongly. While no casualties were initially reported, dozens of homes were damaged as a result of the earthquake and volcanic activity in Afar. Volcanic mudflows from Mount Dofan caused significant damage to infrastructure, including major highways and numerous structures.
The Ethiopian government has ordered the evacuation of approximately 80,000 people from the affected regions of Afar, Oromia, and Amhara. The evacuation commenced after the January 4th earthquake and continues as a preventative measure, despite the lack of reported casualties. Residents are being relocated to safer areas within the country, where temporary shelters have been established.
Expert Opinions
Professor of Geophysics Atalay Ayele from Addis Ababa University noted that the significant steam emissions from Mount Dofan do not necessarily indicate an impending eruption, but the increased seismic activity warrants vigilance. Seismologists believe the risk of a volcanic eruption in this part of the African Rift is higher than in previous years. This is due to the increased seismic activity and signs of potential volcanic eruptions. Experts also emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of seismic activity and volcanoes in the region for timely identification of potential threats.