A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck northern Ethiopia on Friday, coinciding with a volcanic eruption after months of seismic activity, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and local media reported.
The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, approximately 55 kilometres northwest of Asbe Teferi, according to the EMSC. No injuries have been reported thus far.
Aden Bela, a local official, told Ethiopian broadcaster EBC that the volcano erupted near Segento in the Afar region at 5:30 am local time. While the crater had ceased emitting smoke, lava continued to flow, prompting the evacuation of people and livestock.
Since late September, the US Geological Survey has recorded over 67 earthquakes in the area, particularly in the Fantale region within the Great Rift Valley, as reported by the Addis Standard.
Residents have reported increasing destruction, with more than 30 houses collapsing due to frequent and violent tremors. One local resident described the situation: “Houses are collapsing day by day.”