Residents in a rural area of Ethiopia, located 165km (100 miles) northeast of Addis Ababa, are fleeing their homes amid growing fears of a volcanic eruption, according to a local official speaking to newsmen.
Smoke began rising from Mount Dofan on Thursday at about 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT), with what Sultan Kemil described as “a fiery plume” reaching significant heights into the sky.
Footage shared by the Ethiopian Geological Institute on Facebook captures steam and fragments being hurled into the air from the mountain.
The region surrounding Awash Fentale, known for its seismic activity, has experienced more than a dozen earthquakes in recent weeks, intensifying fears of a larger geological event.
Local administrator Abdu Ali, speaking to Ethiopia’s FBC news platform, said evacuation plans are in motion to safeguard residents. He warned that the earthquakes in the area have been escalating in both frequency and intensity.
Tremors from the activity have reportedly been felt as far away as Addis Ababa, deepening concerns.
Shiferaw Teklemariam from the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission told Reuters that it’s premature to declare the activity as a confirmed volcanic eruption, but officials are acting swiftly to prepare for any potential risks.
