Over 58,000 citizens relocated to temporary shelters as hazards of earthquake increases

Addis Ababa, January 9, 2025 (FMC) — The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Council has announced today that more than 58,000 citizens in Afar and Oromia regions are relocated to temporary shelters due the risk of earthquakes and being provided with the necessary provisions.

The council convened an emergency meeting to address the looming risk of earthquake that has been impacting two districts in Afar and one district in the Oromia region of Ethiopia.

A scientific analysis presented by experts during the emergency meeting indicates that the seismic activities occurring in Ethiopia are primarily associated with the formation of the Rift Valley.

The experts noted that, to date, these earthquakes have not prompted volcanic eruptions; however, there have been instances of underground smoke and hot water.

Chairman of the Council, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, has stated that since September 2024, the potential risks associated with earthquakes and tremors in regions of the Rift Valley—particularly in the Oromia Fentale, Awash Fentale, and Dulesa districts—necessitate focused attention and appropriate measures.

He stressed the need for appropriate measures so that the incident, especially in terms of geographical scope, frequency and scale, does not cause more damage.

In the course of these measures, it is important to prevent the loss of lives of citizens, destruction of property, damage to infrastructure and socio-economic impact, the Deputy PM underscored.

He said that it is necessary to provide proper shelter and care to those fleeing from danger areas.

Although no human or animal lives have been lost yet, Temesgen noted that there are extensive damages and destructions to social service institutions, roads and the Tendaho Sugar factory.

During the implementation of these measures, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding citizens’ lives, protecting property, preserving infrastructure, and mitigating socio-economic repercussions.

He highlighted the necessity of providing proper shelter and care to those fleeing from danger areas.

While there have been no reported casualties among humans or animals thus far, Temesgen noted significant damage and destruction have been incurred to social service facilities, roadways, and Kesem Tendaho Sugar factory.

Stating that federal and regional institutions are carrying out disaster response activities in a coordinated manner, the Deputy PM mentioned that awareness creation efforts are being conducted for partners to do their best in this regard.

Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission Commissioner Shiferaw Teklemariam said for his part that, the earthquake has raised concerns about danger in the districts of Afar Awash Fentale, and Dulesa, as well as in the Fentale district of the East Showa Zone of Oromia.

The Commissioner disclosed that more than 58, 000 of the more than 74,000 people in the disaster-prone areas have been moved to temporary shelters, as per ENA.

The relocated citizens have been receiving food and food-related humanitarian support in a strengthened manner, he added.

Minister of the Government Communication Service, Legesse Tulu said a clear direction was established during the emergency meeting following an extensive discussion on the analysis provided by experts regarding the threat of the earthquake.

Accordingly, the minister further stated that a consensus has been reached to strengthen the integrated disaster response in areas identified as risk zones.