The earthquake that began last September in certain areas of the Afar region in Ethiopia has not yet subsided. Areas near the Fantale and Dofan mountains, identified as the epicenter of the quakes, experience tremors hours and sometimes minutes apart.

So far, the earthquakes in the zone have exceeded a magnitude of 5.2, causing landslides, the destruction of houses and buildings, and damage to other infrastructures. In recent weeks, the strong earthquakes that continue in the Afar region have been particularly felt in the Dulecha district.

The chief administrator of the zone, Mr. Abdu Ali, told local media that while the earthquakes began in September, it was mainly from December 10 that frequent tremors, of varying magnitudes, were recorded in the Awash Fentale and Dulecha districts. Consequently, residents of two kebeles from Dulecha and five kebeles from Awash Fentale have been displaced, he added.

Mr. Abdu mentioned that government institutions, agricultural fields, mosques, health centers, residences, commercial shops, schools, and other infrastructures have been damaged by the earthquakes. However, there have been no reports of casualties among people or animals in both districts. The Kasem Sugar Factory in Awash Fentale Kebena is one of the most severely damaged institutions.

Ali Hussain, the head of the Dulesa district education office, highlighted that educational institutions have suffered significant damage. “So far, 18 schools have been damaged, and six have been completely destroyed. We are in talks with the regional education office to continue education in the evacuation shelters as the disaster continues, with no known date for the return of evacuees,” he said.

Regarding the situation of the displaced persons, Abdu Ali stated that over 9,000 families from six kebeles have been evacuated. “Currently, the Dulecha district is completely uninhabitable, so we are working on relocating people. Some residents left on their own before the government started transporting them to other locations. Since we initiated the evacuation, we have established evacuee stations in an area called Daideo, where the residents of six kebeles have been settled,” he explained.

In addition to Daideo, residents of two other evacuation centers have been sheltered in the Afar region. Over the past week, the earthquakes slightly decreased on Friday and Thursday, but strong tremors were recorded on Friday and Saturday, the zone manager reported.

Geospatial and geological researchers from Addis Ababa University are concerned about the very hot water that erupts in the area, which contains sulfur dioxide and other toxic gases hazardous to human health. Additionally, Mr. Abdu, the chief administrator of the Gabi Resu zone, stated that geologists from Addis Ababa, Adama, and Semera universities are currently researching the route from Awash Fentale to Mount Dauphin, where volcanic eruptions and ground activity have been observed. Following the study results, a discussion will be held to determine the next steps.

Mr. Abdu mentioned that humanitarian support is being provided by the state government and the Federal Disaster Risk and Management Commission. He added that if the situation persists, more support may be necessary.