A 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Awash town on the evening of December 29, 2024, marking one of the strongest seismic activities in recent weeks. The epicenter was located 14 kilometers from the town and was among seven tremors recorded that day, highlighting a period of heightened tectonic activity.
Elias Lewi (PhD), a geophysics expert from Addis Ababa University, noted that the Awash Fentale area has experienced frequent seismic events over the past week. The tremor, felt as far as Addis Abeba, is attributed to tectonic shifts within basaltic rock formations, which continue to drive the region’s recurring earthquakes.
In an earlier instance, two earthquakes were reported near Fentale Mountain on December 23, 2024, with magnitudes of 3.0 and 4.9. These events underscore the persistent seismic activity in the region since late September 2024, with tremors affecting areas such as Afar, Dire Dawa, and the capital.
Seismology experts warn that while earthquakes of 5.0 magnitude or higher are rare in Ethiopia, they still pose significant risks to infrastructure and human safety, particularly in areas with vulnerable populations and structures.