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What happened, where and when?
The Fentale volcanic complex, located in the Main Ethiopian Rift, experienced heightened seismic activity in late December 2024. Earthquake frequency spiked during this period, with several events of notable magnitude recorded. This seismic surge was accompanied by the opening of steam vents, which released steam and underground gases.
Between 4 and 6 January 2025, more than 20 earthquakes struck the Awash Fentale area. The most significant was a magnitude 5.8 tremor that occurred on 4 January near the Dofen mountains. This earthquake caused considerable damage to community shelters and critical social service infrastructure. Experts believed the increased seismic activity was linked to underground magma movement, although it remained unclear whether an eruption would occur, and if so, from which location—Fentale, Dofen, or a potentially new vent.
Approximately 99,000 people across three regions were affected: 60,000 in Afar, 20,000 in Oromia, and 9,000 in Amhara. Many residents expressed uncertainty about appropriate protective actions in the face of the volcanic risk. Around 90,000 individuals had already been displaced, and government evacuated them to new safer place within the respective zones.
The displaced people faced urgent humanitarian needs including food, safe water and shelter. The Ethiopian Red Cross Society’s Branch Disaster Response Team (BDRT) joined the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC) and other partners to conduct a joint assessment in the affected areas and timely reported to the HQ for urgent support.
The assessment highlighted several pressing humanitarian concerns. While only two casualties and a number of minor injuries were reported, significant damage was observed across key infrastructure, including homes, health facilities, schools, and roads. These developments occurred amid the ongoing cholera outbreak affecting the Awash River Valley, further compounding the vulnerability of the affected communities.