Earthquakes and volcanic activity in Afar
Thousands of people have been displaced by ongoing earthquake activity north-east of Addis Ababa, where there are also fears of a possible volcanic eruption.
As reported by the BBC in this article: “In recent weeks, there have been more than a dozen seismic events around Awash Fentale – an earthquake-prone area of Ethiopia’s Afar region.”
The epicentre in Awash Fentale district is by Mount Dofan volcano, which has been showing signs of a possible eruption.
Our partner the Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA) are responding with emergency assistance. They have sent the following updates:
Report from APDA
Ongoing earthquake activity in Awash and Dulecha woredas of the Afar Region has significantly impacted the residents. While we have daily listened to the news of earth tremors and new cracks appearing, as of January 1st, the tremors have increased from up to 3 daily to 15. The government has formed a response team in Awash town but as of today, the population needs to be moved with speed, the government having selected where, since the dam supporting the sugar factory in Sabore is at imminent risk of breaking, flooding a vast populated area.
This actual incident started as early as September 27th and has continued. There are now several earth fissures, some just cracks, others dispelling apparently dangerous gases, steam and there have been a couple of new crater lakes forming. The dam now causing such concern is part of the Awash River complex and other than flooding the area, there is fear that the water may contaminate with volcanic chemicals causing the entire Awash river system to become poisonous.
The affected areas are within 35 kilometres of Awash town on the asphalt road to Addis, this road apparently now split at Mattahara, just below the Awash National Park.
People in danger are both farmers and pastoralists, the government requiring to move them around 30 kilometres north into Ami Bara. APDA is about to place an emergency officer in Awash town.
There are some highly vulnerable people who cannot now return to their land as the water will be undrinkable; land will not grow grass as a result of the gases and ash. These people need to very quickly establish a livelihood where they are moved to. We will start this assessment in the next few days.
Key figures
- 13,730 households are reported to have been displaced from Awash and Dulecha.
- 170 houses, 9 schools and 1 health centre in Awash town are cracked and unsafe.
- 7 IDP sites are currently home to the thousands of people who have been displaced.
- As many as 24 quakes and aftershocks have been reported since September, measuring up to 5.8 on the Richter scale.
We have been able to respond quickly with initial support through our Emergency and Recovery Fund, as APDA help people in immediate danger. We will keep you updated as the situation evolves.
Immediate needs
- Funds for fuel to evacuate people – APDA have 3 available trucks.
- Health teams and medical supplies for people who are displaced.
- Immediate food, especially for small children, older and chronically ill people.
Critical gaps in food, shelter, health services and water, sanitation and hygiene remain, while urgent action is needed to reach people in inaccessible locations.
You can support our Emergency and Recovery Fund to ensure we are able to provide a rapid response in emergencies.
