A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck northern Ethiopia on Friday, accompanied by a volcanic eruption following months of heightened seismic activity, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and local media reports.
The quake, recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), hit approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) northwest of Asbe Teferi. While no injuries have been reported so far, the tremors have caused significant structural damage in affected areas.
Local media reported that a nearby volcano erupted around 5:30 am on Friday near Segento in Ethiopia’s northeastern Afar region. Aden Bela, a regional official, confirmed to Ethiopian broadcaster EBC that while smoke emissions from the crater have ceased, lava continues to flow. Authorities have evacuated residents and livestock from the area, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
Since late September, the US Geological Survey has recorded over 67 earthquakes in the region, particularly around the Fantale area in the Great Rift Valley.
Residents described worsening conditions, with one telling the Addis Standard: “Houses are collapsing day by day.” More than 30 homes have reportedly been destroyed due to the persistent tremors.
