Ethiopia: Situation Update | ReliefWeb Response

Update on the Seismic Situation in Afar and Oromia Region (as of 17 January 2025)

Highlights

Seismic activity continues in the Afar and Oromia regions, with 18 earthquakes (magnitudes 4.3 to 5.2) recorded in the past week, linked to the Fentale volcanic complex.
NGO ASDEPO transports animal feed from Semera to be distributed to evacuees in Awash Fentale district, Afar Region. ©ASDEPO

The Government of Ethiopia is evacuating over 60,000 people from high-risk areas to safer locations. These evacuations are occurring in areas affected by ongoing tremors, hilly regions experiencing rockfalls, near sites emitting ash since 2 January, and around a major dam.
Some residents, especially pastoralists, are hesitant to leave due to concerns about livestock and property.
UN and NGO partners are supporting the government-led response through providing technical expertise and delivering humanitarian assistance in the area, but significant gaps remain. Government-led zonal Incident Command Posts (ICPs) have been set up in Awash (Afar Region) and Metehara (Oromia Region), with OCHA co-chairing to streamline coordination.
A multi-sector initial rapid assessment (MIRA) has been completed, and its findings will guide ongoing relief efforts.