Panic in Ethiopia as Villagers Flee Volcanic Activity
Hundreds of residents in Ethiopia’s Afar region, located
165km (100 miles) northeast of Addis Ababa, have fled their homes in fear as
Mount Dofan exhibits signs of potential volcanic activity. Sultan Kemil, a
local chief, told the BBC's Afaan Oromoo service that smoke with a fiery plume
began rising from the volcano around 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Thursday.
A video shared by the Ethiopian Geological Institute shows
steam and debris erupting from the mountain, raising concerns among locals and
authorities alike. The area, near Awash Fentale, has experienced over a dozen
seismic events in recent weeks, intensifying fears of an imminent eruption.
Abdu Ali, the chief administrator in the Afar region,
confirmed to Ethiopia's FBC news site that evacuation efforts are underway to
ensure residents' safety. He noted that earthquakes in the area are becoming
increasingly frequent and intense.
Tremors have also been reported as far away as the capital,
Addis Ababa. Shiferaw Teklemariam from the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management
Commission stated that while it is premature to declare the activity an
eruption, authorities are taking all necessary precautions.
The situation remains tense as experts monitor Mount Dofan's
behavior and work to safeguard affected communities.
