A 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Awash Fentale district on the evening of October 6, 2024, causing significant structural damage and ground fractures in surrounding areas, according to reports from Samara University.
The tremor, which was recorded at 8:10 PM and felt as far as Addis Ababa, caused residents to evacuate buildings as a safety measure. The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) confirmed that the quake led to damage to buildings and large cracks in the earth, particularly in Sabure Kebele.
Samara University’s Geology Department has been conducting fieldwork in the region, assessing the extent of the destruction. The department emphasized that seismic activity has been ongoing for over two weeks in the Awash Fentale area, heightening the risk of further damage.
University geologists have advised residents to steer clear of nearby mountainous areas and the Kesem Dam due to the potential for additional tremors. Both local and international agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, have been tracking the seismic movements in the region, with last night’s earthquake being the most significant in recent days.
Many residents of Addis Ababa also reported feeling the quake, with some sharing their experiences on social media. Videos showed people, especially those in high-rise buildings, leaving their homes out of concern for safety.
Samara University has expressed ongoing concern about the impact of these earthquakes, calling attention to the distress faced by those who have lost their homes due to the tremors.