A strong and shallow earthquake, registered by the USGS as a magnitude 6.0 (M6.0), struck near Fentale volcano, Ethiopia, at 20:28 UTC (23:28 local time) on February 14, 2025. The agency reported a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), with the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) confirming the same magnitude and depth.
The earthquake’s epicenter was near Fentale volcano, approximately 6.6 km (4.1 miles) north-northeast of Metahara (population 23,403) in Oromiya and 26 km (16 miles) west of Awash (population 11,415) in Afar, Ethiopia. An estimated 45,000 people experienced very strong shaking, 37,000 felt strong shaking, and 147,000 reported moderate tremors.
The USGS issued a Green alert, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or significant economic losses. However, the region’s population predominantly resides in structures highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, including adobe block and informal constructions using metal, timber, and corrugated iron sheets. While some earthquake-resistant structures exist, the majority remain at risk.
Secondary Hazards and Evacuations
Past earthquakes in this area have triggered secondary hazards such as landslides, which may have contributed to further damage.
This is the strongest earthquake recorded during the ongoing seismo-volcanic crisis affecting this region of Ethiopia since December 22, 2024. The quakes are believed to be linked to magma movement in the Fentale volcanic complex within the Main Ethiopian Rift.
Approximately 80,000 people in the Oromiya and Afar regions have been impacted and urged to evacuate since January. In response, the government has been relocating residents from high-risk areas to safer locations to mitigate potential dangers.
Structural Damage and Safety Concerns
The earthquake has caused significant damage to homes, health centers, schools, roads, and critical infrastructure. At least two people have been reported injured.
Expanding fissures in the ground have also raised concerns about the structural integrity of the Kesem/Sabure Dam, which holds a substantial volume of water. The dam is designed to withstand earthquakes up to M5.6, and any structural failure could lead to catastrophic downstream flooding, potentially endangering hundreds of thousands of lives.
References:
- M6.0 Earthquake, Ethiopia – USGS, February 14, 2025
- M6.0 Earthquake, Ethiopia – EMSC, February 14, 2025
- Intense Seismo-Volcanic Crisis Near Dofen Volcano Forces Thousands to Evacuate, Ethiopia – The Watchers, January 4, 2025
