Earthquake of magnitude 5.5 strikes Ethiopia, raises concern over volcanic eruption

Addis Ababa [Ethiopia], January 4 : A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia on Friday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said reported by the Jerusalem Post.

The quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), EMSC said.

Earlier in the day, Anadolu Ajansi reported a volcanic eruption at Ethiopia's central Mount Dofan. The region has recently experienced frequent minor tremors, according to local media reports.

These frequent tremors have raised concern over a potential major disaster, especially in the Awash Fentale region, which is approximately 142 miles (230 kilometres) from Addis Ababa.

In recent weeks, the region has experienced more than a dozen minor earthquakes, prompting residents to look at the issue with concern.

Regional Administrator Abdu Ali has said the authorities are making efforts to prevent casualties by relocating at-risk residents to safer areas, the state-owned Fana Broadcasting Corporation reported.

The tremors are continuing and becoming more powerful, with the most recent being felt in Addis Ababa overnight, Ali noted

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