The recent series of earthquakes in the Awash Fentale zone, that caused tremors as far as Addis Ababa, have resulted in damage to houses and roads.

Over the last weekend, more than 30 houses were damaged, and roads and fields were cracked due to a magnitude 5 earthquake in certain districts of both Awash Fentale and Amibara. Abdu Ali, the chief administrator of Awash zone, reported to Fana Digital that residents affected by the damage are being relocated to temporary traditional shelters to ensure their safety.

Dr. Elias Lewi, the Director of Geophysics and Space Science at Addis Ababa University, explained to EBC.stream that ongoing movement of molten rock in the region is the reason for the continued seismic activity, extending as far as the capital city. He detailed multiple earthquakes that occurred over the weekend, with magnitudes ranging from 5 to 5.7.

Given the unpredictable nature of earthquakes, local authorities are urging both the government and the public to take necessary precautions to ensure safety.

Furthermore, Adam Bahi, the administrator of Awash Fentale district, has informed that over 100 houses have been damaged in the frequent earthquakes in the Afar region of Awash Fentale. He emphasized in his statement to the media that the earthquakes are not occurring two or three times a day as reported but are actually increasing in intensity and danger.

Concerns have been raised about the state of other infrastructure, such as the Kesem Dam in the area. When questioned about the dam’s condition, Bahi assured that an independent organization is actively monitoring and maintaining it.

Despite no injuries reported from the earthquakes thus far, Bahi stated that the situation is being closely monitored due to the high frequency of the tremors. The number of displaced individuals in the region is steadily rising, with urgent needs for shelter, food, and basic resources. Consequently, the regional disaster and risk prevention office has been called upon to provide support.

The impact of the earthquakes has also been felt in Sabure and Dokho kebeles of Awash Fentale district, where more than 30 houses have been damaged as a result of the ongoing seismic activity.