Thousands of people in Ethiopia are evacuating due to the growing threat of a potential volcanic eruption

Thousands of people in northeastern Ethiopia are being evacuated from a remote area due to increasing volcanic activity, officials reported on Friday. The evacuations follow the appearance of steam eruptions from the long-dormant Mount Dofen, which began on Thursday. These eruptions have raised concerns about a potential volcanic eruption that could endanger local residents.

The volcanic activity has caused significant damage, with volcanic mud flowing from the mountain creating large cracks in essential infrastructure, including major roads. Dozens of properties have also been severely affected in the Afar region. The Afar Region Disaster Risk Management Agency stated that the evacuations are being carried out as a precautionary measure, with residents being moved to safer locations within the region.

Despite the alarming signs, Atalay Ayele, a professor of geophysics at Addis Ababa University, noted that the steam eruptions might not necessarily lead to a full volcanic eruption.

Afar is one of Ethiopia’s driest and hottest regions, known for its history of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, droughts, and flooding, which have forced numerous evacuations in the past.

  • Muthomi Ireri

    Manager, Planet GIM

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