08 Jan 2025 | 01:38 AM UTC
Ethiopia: Magnitude-5.3 earthquake occurs in central region at around 03:53 Jan. 8
Magnitude-5.3 earthquake occurs in central Ethiopia at around 03:53 Jan. 8. No immediate reports of damage or casualties.
A magnitude-5.3 earthquake occurred in southern Afar Region near the Afar-Oromia regional border around 03:53 Jan. 8. The epicenter was about 25 km (16 miles) north-northeast of Awash. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was probably felt in parts of Southern Afar, Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, northwestern Somali, northern Oromiya, and southeastern Amhara regions. There were no initial reports of damage or casualties due to the earthquake; significant damage is possible. It could take several hours for authorities to conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.
