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A 4.9-magnitude earthquake struck 36 kilometers from Awash this morning at 10:48 a.m., according to the German Geoscience Research Center. The tremor, which lasted only a few seconds, was powerful enough to cause widespread concern and fear among residents in various areas, including the capital city, Addis Ababa.
Residents described the quake as “terrible” and noted that it felt different from previous tremors. In Addis Ababa, people in multi-story buildings reported feeling the ground shake and glass windows rattle. One individual, seated on the fourth floor, said, “The glass was shaking, the furniture was moving, and I felt an unusual vibration where I was sitting.” Another person, who was on the twelfth floor at the time, described the experience as “scary.”
The panic was not limited to residential areas. In Jile Tmuga, government employees working at the district administration building reportedly fled their offices in fear when the tremor hit.
The quake also highlighted unusual patterns of tremor reach, with residents in areas less commonly affected reporting feeling the vibrations. In Addis Ababa, many expressed shock, with some saying they had never experienced such an event before.
While no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage have surfaced, the psychological impact of the quake has been evident. This incident serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the need for continued preparedness.
Authorities and experts are expected to monitor aftershocks and assess the earthquake’s impact on affected areas. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines in the event of future tremors.
