College of Applied Natural Science organizes a public lecture on current earthquake and potential volcanic hazards in the Ethiopian Rift Valley

Last Updated: Wednesday, 26 February 2025 11:57 | Published: Monday, 17 February 2025 09:53

Three Scholars from the Department of Geology gave a public lecture on awareness creation and preparedness on earthquake and geological activities in Ethiopian Rift Valley systems. Dr. Kero Jemal, dean of the College of Applied Natural Science, facilitated the event, welcomed the participants and emphasized the timeliness and importance of the issue.

The public lecture, which included management officials, scholars from Adama Science and Technology University, and scholars from different institutions, was opened with an opening speech by Dr. Teshome Abdo, vice president for academic affairs.

Dr. Tshome noted that higher education institutions should delve into research and contribute to issues that affect the society's livelihood. The repeated occurrence of earthquake activity around the eastern part of the country has been a highly sensitive issue that has attracted the attention of Ethiopians. Dr. Teshome stressed that the result of earthquake and volcanic activities could endanger the physical and psychological well-being of the society and the hospitality of the environment. Since ASTU has a mission to contribute research output in fields of science and engineering, it is deemed necessary to undertake this initiative.

Among the scholars who gave the lecture, Dr. Asfaw Erbello, gave a presentation titled `The Science behind Earth Quake Occurrences and volcanic eruptions’. The presentation emphasized the scientific findings on the geological activity that is occurring in the East African Rift Valley. Dr. Asfaw noted the East African Great Rift Valley geological activities dates back 170 thousand years and operates in four parts of the East African region, among which the eastern branch has more volcanic activities.

Dr. Jima Asefa made presentation titled ‘Seismicity of the MER and current earth quake in Fentale dofan area’. In his presentation, Dr. Jima noted that a sudden shift in the ground caused by the movement of the earth’s tectonic plates led to repeatedly occurring earthquakes and volcanic activity. Dr. Jima noted that this East African dynamic tectonic plate movement has led to volcanic activity which could split Africa into two parts; though it could take millions of years to take effect. Dr. Jima underscored that Ethiopia’s megacities and areas which witness rapid population and economic growth are emerging close to active rift margins with the least awareness of eminent earth quake and volcanic hazards. Dr. Jima stressed that since this geological activity is ever-growing and rapidly occurring, Ethiopia needs to apply strong construction codes.

Dr. Hassen Shube gave a lecture titled `Current earthquake and potential volcanic hazards’. According to Dr. Hassen, field observation risk assessment and mitigation measures in Ethiopia's scaling earthquake started in 1906. The Current phase of Fentale Dofa magmatic segments earth quake and volcanic activity have been occurring since September 27/2024. Dr. Hassen emphasized that the areas where the current earthquakes repeatedly happen are areas where large infrastructures, including oil depots, and a dam are located. Dr. Hassen stated that a national team headed by the Deputy Prime minister, Mr. Temsegen Tirhunh, consisting of selected universities and institutions has been formed and is carrying out necessary tasks. Dr. Solomon Tiruneh, V/P/A/D chaired the discussion on questions and comments from participants.