ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Council has announced that more than 58,000 citizens have been relocated from Afar and Oromia regions to temporary shelters due to the threat of earthquakes in the areas.

The announcement followed an emergency meeting to address the looming seismic risks that have been impacting various districts, two in Afar and another in Oromia, the state-run Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported on Thursday.

A scientific analysis presented by experts during the meeting attributed the seismic activity to the formation of the Rift Valley. While no volcanic eruptions have occurred, experts noted instances of underground smoke and hot water emissions.

"Since September 2024, the potential risks associated with earthquakes and tremors in regions of the Rift Valley have necessitated the government to give attention and take appropriate measures," the ENA quoted Temesgen Tiruneh, chairman of the council and deputy prime minister of Ethiopia, as saying.

"In the course of these measures, it is important to prevent the loss of lives, destruction of property, and damage to infrastructures," Tiruneh said, stressing the need to provide necessary shelter and care to those fleeing from danger areas.

Although there have been no reported casualties among humans or animals, Tiruneh confirmed that the frequent earthquakes have caused significant damage to social service facilities, roads, and other infrastructure. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)