Panic and destruction as powerful earthquake hits Ethiopia’s Afar region

Similarly, earlier this month, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded 6 kilometres from Metahara City, although it did not cause significant damage due to its epicenter.

By Margaret Wanjiru
Monday, March 17, 2025

This geological setting makes the region prone to occasional seismic activity, though large, destructive earthquakes remain relatively rare.

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 struck the Afar region in northeastern Ethiopia on Sunday, causing widespread destruction and panic among residents.

According to Addis Insight, the earthquake’s epicentre was located approximately 45 kilometres north of Awash City, a region known for its geological activity.

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The tremor occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometres (about the cruising altitude of a commercial jet) but was strong enough to be felt in several parts of the country, including the capital, Addis Ababa.

Reports indicate that the country has been experiencing earthquakes in recent weeks.

The last earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.2, struck 46 kilometres east of Adigrat city on February 23.

Similarly, earlier this month, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake was recorded 6 kilometres from Metahara city, although it did not cause significant damage due to the location of its epicentre.

According to an international earthquake-tracking website, while Ethiopia is not as seismically active as some other parts of the world, the Afar region sits within the East African Rift, a tectonic boundary where the African continent is gradually splitting apart.

This geological setting makes the region prone to occasional seismic activity, though large, destructive earthquakes remain relatively rare.

Afar’s sparse infrastructure has made it difficult for emergency responders to reach the most affected areas. Many villages have been cut off from the outside world, with phone lines down and electricity outages in different locations.

However, reports indicate that the national government has dispatched additional resources, including medical teams and food supplies, but assistance may take some time to reach remote areas.

The earthquake comes at a time when the region is already facing significant challenges due to drought conditions and limited access to resources.

Authorities are urging citizens to remain cautious, as aftershocks are expected to continue over the coming days. The full extent of the damage is expected to be assessed in the next few days as rescue operations continue.