A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck northern Ethiopia on Friday, accompanied by a volcanic eruption after months of heightened seismic activity, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and local media reports.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) and was located around 55 kilometers (34 miles) northwest of Asbe Teferi, as per the EMSC.
Shortly after the quake, a nearby volcano erupted in the Afar region, following months of intense seismic disturbances. Aden Bela, a local official, informed Ethiopian state broadcaster EBC that the eruption began at 5:30 a.m. near Segento, northeast of the Afar region. While the crater has ceased emitting smoke, lava continues to flow from the volcano.
Efforts to ensure public safety are underway, with residents and livestock evacuated from the affected areas. However, the exact numbers of evacuees have not yet been disclosed.
The US Geological Survey has recorded over 67 earthquakes in the region since late September, with the activity concentrated in the Fantale area, part of the Great Rift Valley. Local media outlets report that more than 30 houses have collapsed due to frequent and intensifying tremors.
Residents describe a dire situation, with one individual noting, “Houses are collapsing daily. Despite the devastation, no injuries have been reported so far.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the volcanic activity persists. Emergency teams are working to assess the extent of the damage and support affected communities.
