Joseph Isangura
A volcano in northeastern Ethiopia has begun showing signs that it could erupt, prompting local authorities to take swift action.
On Friday, officials evacuated residents from the area and relocated them to temporary shelters, as reported by local media and the government’s geological institute.
The Ethiopian Geological Institute shared a video on social media showing dust and smoke billowing from the Awash Fentale volcano, which is located in the Afar region, about 165 kilometers (102 miles) from the capital, Addis Ababa. This sudden activity has raised alarms among both the public and officials.
Fana Broadcasting, citing a regional administrator in Afar, reported that the evacuation was carried out quickly to ensure the safety of the residents living near the volcano. While there have been no reports of injuries, local authorities did not want to take any chances and decided to act preemptively.
Shiferaw Teklemariam, the head of the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, stated that while it was too early to confirm an eruption, authorities were closely monitoring the situation. “We’re not waiting for it to escalate,” Teklemariam explained, emphasizing the importance of taking immediate action to protect people. “The safety of our citizens is our top priority.”
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The Awash Fentale region has seen volcanic activity in the past, but this is the first time in recent memory that authorities have evacuated residents due to the signs of an impending eruption. The government is working diligently with local officials to manage the situation and ensure that the displaced residents have the necessary resources and support.
Temporary shelters have been set up, and authorities continue to monitor the volcano’s behavior closely. Residents are being kept updated, and safety measures remain in place as experts assess the situation further.
