Written by on . Last updated January 7th, 2025.

In the evening of Friday January 3rd, 2025, an unusually powerful MAG-5.5 foreshock hit under land 54 kilometer from Āsbe Teferī in Ethiopia. Roughly 33 million people may have felt this earthquake.

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Earthquake Summary

The earthquake struck on land in Ethiopia, 54 kilometer (34 mi) west-northwest of Āsbe Teferī in Oromiya. The center of this earthquake had a very shallow depth of 10 km. Shallow earthquakes usually have a larger impact than earthquakes deep in the earth.

Date and Time: Jan 3, 2025 08:01PM (Addis Ababa Time)
- Jan 3, 2025 17:01 Universal Time.
Location: 54 km WNW of Āsbe Teferī, Oromiya, Ethiopia.
Coordinates 9°17'55"N 40°25'29"E.
Map: Map of area around epicenter.
Map of area around epicenter. Click to open in Google Maps.
Magnitude: MAG 5.5
Detected by 15 stations. Maximum Error Range ±0.08 .
Depth: 10 km (6 mi)
A very shallow depth.
Max. Intensity:
VIII
Severe

On the Modified Mercalli Scale.
Tsunami Risk: Tsunami very unlikely
While this was a shallow earthquake, it appears to have occurred under land with a magnitude not strong enough to cause tsunami's.
Always stay cautious - More info here.

Minimal impact predicted

Based on scientific estimates by the US Geographic Survey (USGS), the risk of high fatalities for this earthquake is classified at level GREEN (low). They expect an 65% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 fatalities, and a 96% chance that the number of fatalities falls no higher than 10.

The USGS classifies the economic impact of this earthquake at level GREEN (low). They expect an 69% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 million US Dollars in economic damage and impact, and a 98% chance that the economic impact of this earthquake falls no higher than 10 million USD.

Roughly 33 million people exposed to shaking

The USGS has published a report estimating the number of people exposed to this earthquake. Acoording to their analysis, roughly 33 million have been exposed to shaking at an MMI level of II or higher.

The highest earthquake impact level for this earthquake is VIII, which corresponds with severe shaking and likely moderate to heavy damage. Roughly 0 people are expected to be exposed to this level. The majority of people (roughly 30 million) live in an area exposed to level III, where weak shaking and probably no damage is expected.

People in 2 countries have been exposed to shaking. In Ethiopia , around 33 million people, with impact levels up to VIII (severe shaking, likely moderate to heavy damage). People were exposed to shaking in Djibouti as well.

People MMI Level Shaking Damage
0
I
Not noticable None
203,700
II
Very weak None
29,690,000
III
Weak Probably none
3,363,000
IV
Light Likely none
102,900
V
Moderate Very light
1,610
VI
Strong Light
0
VII
Very Strong Moderate
0
VIII
Severe Moderate to heavy
0
IX
Violent Heavy
0
X
Extreme Very heavy

Nearby towns and cities

This earthquake may have been felt in Ethiopia . Located 54 kilometer (34 mi) west-northwest of the epicenter of this earthquake, Āsbe Teferī (Oromiya, Ethiopia) is the nearest significant population center. The intensity of shaking and damage in Āsbe Teferī is estimated to be around level IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale (light shaking, likely no damage).

Multiple major population centers exist within 300km of the earthquake that struck today. Addis Ababa is located 187 km to the west and experienced an intensity of III (weak shaking, probably no damage). Dire Dawa is located 161 km to the east-northeast and experienced an intensity of III (weak shaking, probably no damage). Nazrēt is located 152 km to the southwest and experienced an intensity of III (weak shaking, probably no damage).

The table below provides an overview of all places in proximity of today's earthquake. Where available, the estimated intensity on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale in each place is included. Places where this information is omitted likely experienced little impact.

Overview of nearby places

Distance Place Intensity (MMI)
54 km (34 mi)
ESE from epicenter
Āsbe Teferī

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
IV
Light
55 km (34 mi)
S from epicenter
Gelemso

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
IV
Light
59 km (37 mi)
SE from epicenter
Bedēsa

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
IV
Light
71 km (44 mi)
SW from epicenter
Metahāra

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
IV
Light
90 km (56 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Abomsa

Amhara, Ethiopia.
IV
Light
107 km (66 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Debre Birhan

Amhara, Ethiopia.
IV
Light
152 km (94 mi)
SW from epicenter
Nazrēt

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
III
Weak
157 km (98 mi)
SW from epicenter
Wenjī

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
III
Weak
161 km (100 mi)
ENE from epicenter
Dire Dawa

Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.
III
Weak
164 km (102 mi)
WSW from epicenter
Mojo

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
III
Weak
169 km (105 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Kemisē

Amhara, Ethiopia.
III
Weak
170 km (106 mi)
WSW from epicenter
Bishoftu

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
III
Weak
186 km (116 mi)
E from epicenter
Harar

Harari, Ethiopia.
III
Weak
187 km (116 mi)
W from epicenter
Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
III
Weak
194 km (121 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Fichē

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
III
Weak
203 km (126 mi)
WSW from epicenter
Sebeta

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
212 km (132 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Kombolcha

Amhara, Ethiopia.
III
Weak
213 km (132 mi)
W from epicenter
Genet

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
215 km (134 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Batī

Amhara, Ethiopia.
222 km (138 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Desē

Amhara, Ethiopia.
229 km (142 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Gebre Guracha

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
241 km (150 mi)
SW from epicenter
Ziway

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
III
Weak
242 km (150 mi)
S from epicenter
Ginir

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
258 km (160 mi)
S from epicenter
Goba

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
261 km (162 mi)
E from epicenter
Jijiga

Somali, Ethiopia.
262 km (163 mi)
WSW from epicenter
Butajīra

SNNPR, Ethiopia.
275 km (171 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Bichena

Amhara, Ethiopia.
276 km (171 mi)
NNE from epicenter
Asaita

Āfar, Ethiopia.
279 km (173 mi)
SSW from epicenter
Āsasa

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
280 km (174 mi)
NNE from epicenter
Dubti

Āfar, Ethiopia.
283 km (176 mi)
WSW from epicenter
Waliso

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
285 km (177 mi)
W from epicenter
Hāgere Hiywet

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
291 km (181 mi)
SSW from epicenter
Dodola

Oromiya, Ethiopia.
Cities and Towns around the epicenter of this earthquake.

Earthquake Intensity Map

The intensity in shaking and damage by this earthquake is illustrated through the map below. The highest intensity measured for this earthquake is VIII.

I Not felt
II Weak
III Weak
IV Light
V Moderate
VI Strong
VII Very Strong
VIII Severe
IX Violent
X Extreme
Earthquake Intensity Map based on Shakemap Data provided by USGS.

Shaking reported by 19 people

People that feel an earthquake may report their experience to the US Geographic Survey. Currently, 19 people have reported shaking in 6 places, all within Ethiopia.We keep updating this article as more ground reports become available. You may report that you felt this earthquake here.

Places with most reports:

  • Addis Ababa, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia: 9 people.
  • Amibara, Afar, Ethiopia: 3 people.
  • Āwash, Afar, Ethiopia: 2 people.
  • Sebeta, Oromia, Ethiopia: 2 people.
  • Āsbe Teferi, Oromia, Ethiopia: 2 people.
  • Harer, Harar, Ethiopia: 1 person.

This is likely a foreshock

This earthquake was followed by a stronger MAG-5.7 earthquake, classifying this earthquake as a foreshock.

Overview of foreshocks and aftershocks

Classification Magnitude When Where
Foreshock M 4.3 3 days earlier
Dec 31, 2024 09:37PM (Addis Ababa Time)
33 km (21 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.8 3 days earlier
Dec 31, 2024 10:18PM (Addis Ababa Time)
39 km (24 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.5 3 days earlier
Jan 1, 2025 06:27AM (Addis Ababa Time)
38 km (24 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.4 3 days earlier
Jan 1, 2025 09:45AM (Addis Ababa Time)
43 km (27 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.8 3 days earlier
Jan 1, 2025 11:09AM (Addis Ababa Time)
42 km (26 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.5 3 days earlier
Jan 1, 2025 11:56AM (Addis Ababa Time)
46 km (29 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.6 3 days earlier
Jan 1, 2025 12:56PM (Addis Ababa Time)
33 km (21 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.9 2 days earlier
Jan 1, 2025 06:26PM (Addis Ababa Time)
33 km (20 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.5 2 days earlier
Jan 2, 2025 04:46AM (Addis Ababa Time)
58 km (36 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.2 2 days earlier
Jan 2, 2025 06:17AM (Addis Ababa Time)
48 km (30 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 5.1 2 days earlier
Jan 2, 2025 10:41AM (Addis Ababa Time)
18 km (11 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.7 2 days earlier
Jan 2, 2025 12:56PM (Addis Ababa Time)
69 km (43 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.5 2 days earlier
Jan 2, 2025 01:02PM (Addis Ababa Time)
38 km (23 mi)
WSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.5 2 days earlier
Jan 2, 2025 01:17PM (Addis Ababa Time)
73 km (45 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.5 1 day earlier
Jan 2, 2025 06:31PM (Addis Ababa Time)
38 km (24 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.6 1 day earlier
Jan 2, 2025 07:26PM (Addis Ababa Time)
44 km (28 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.9 1 day earlier
Jan 2, 2025 08:28PM (Addis Ababa Time)
49 km (30 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 5.0 1 day earlier
Jan 3, 2025 12:18AM (Addis Ababa Time)
22 km (14 mi)
ENE from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.7 1 day earlier
Jan 3, 2025 01:22AM (Addis Ababa Time)
39 km (24 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.5 1 day earlier
Jan 3, 2025 03:18AM (Addis Ababa Time)
35 km (22 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.5 24 hrs earlier
Jan 3, 2025 04:20AM (Addis Ababa Time)
30 km (19 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.7 23 hrs earlier
Jan 3, 2025 04:34AM (Addis Ababa Time)
68 km (42 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.5 23 hrs earlier
Jan 3, 2025 05:10AM (Addis Ababa Time)
38 km (24 mi)
SE from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.5 22 hrs earlier
Jan 3, 2025 05:52AM (Addis Ababa Time)
27 km (17 mi)
WSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.7 15 hrs earlier
Jan 3, 2025 12:40PM (Addis Ababa Time)
12 km (8 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 5.2 10 hrs earlier
Jan 3, 2025 05:27PM (Addis Ababa Time)
39 km (24 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Foreshock
This Earthquake
M 5.5 8 hrs earlier
Jan 3, 2025 08:01PM (Addis Ababa Time)
36 km (22 mi)
SE from Main Shock.
Main Shock M 5.7 Jan 4, 2025 03:52AM
(Addis Ababa Time)
-
Aftershock M 4.5 2 hrs later
Jan 4, 2025 05:59AM (Addis Ababa Time)
34 km (21 mi)
SSE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.4 2 hrs later
Jan 4, 2025 06:12AM (Addis Ababa Time)
27 km (17 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.7 6 hrs later
Jan 4, 2025 10:00AM (Addis Ababa Time)
46 km (29 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.7 9 hrs later
Jan 4, 2025 12:40PM (Addis Ababa Time)
58 km (36 mi)
SSE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.5 14 hrs later
Jan 4, 2025 05:25PM (Addis Ababa Time)
37 km (23 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.6 15 hrs later
Jan 4, 2025 06:29PM (Addis Ababa Time)
31 km (19 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.9 16 hrs later
Jan 4, 2025 07:36PM (Addis Ababa Time)
70 km (44 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.7 18 hrs later
Jan 4, 2025 10:15PM (Addis Ababa Time)
30 km (19 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 5.0 19 hrs later
Jan 4, 2025 11:05PM (Addis Ababa Time)
24 km (15 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.6 22 hrs later
Jan 5, 2025 02:03AM (Addis Ababa Time)
70 km (44 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.5 1 day later
Jan 5, 2025 03:15PM (Addis Ababa Time)
38 km (24 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.5 1 day later
Jan 5, 2025 03:30PM (Addis Ababa Time)
19 km (12 mi)
WNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.3 2 days later
Jan 5, 2025 04:08PM (Addis Ababa Time)
49 km (30 mi)
SSE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.2 2 days later
Jan 5, 2025 05:04PM (Addis Ababa Time)
49 km (30 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.3 2 days later
Jan 5, 2025 10:48PM (Addis Ababa Time)
19 km (12 mi)
WSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.5 2 days later
Jan 6, 2025 03:01AM (Addis Ababa Time)
19 km (12 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.4 2 days later
Jan 6, 2025 04:33AM (Addis Ababa Time)
18 km (11 mi)
SSE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.4 2 days later
Jan 6, 2025 04:48AM (Addis Ababa Time)
39 km (24 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.5 3 days later
Jan 7, 2025 02:22AM (Addis Ababa Time)
22 km (13 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Detected MAG2.5+ earthquakes within within 100km (62 mi), that occurred in the three days before and after the main shock.

More earthquakes coming?

Earthquakes can create aftershocks. These are generally at least 1 magnitude lower than any main shock, and as time passes the chance and strength of aftershocks decreases.

In only six percent of cases, significant earthquakes are followed by a larger main shock, making the current earthquake a foreshock. While the chance of this happening is not so large, it is adviced to maintain cautiousness in the hours and days following a major earthquake.

Read: How to Stay Safe during an Earthquake (cdc.gov).

This is an unusually powerful earthquake

No earthquake of this strength has struck this region for a long time. Our data goes back 10 years, and no earthquakes measuring a magnitude of 5.5 or higher have been detected within 300 km (186 mi) of this epicenter.

Tsunami very unlikely

DISCLAIMER: We strongly suggest to closely monitor advice from local authorities with regards to tsunami risks. Our analysis is based on automatically collected data from external sources, and these might contain mistakes. In addition, earthquakes can cause landslides that may lead to a tsunami, or be a followed by another, potentially stonger, earthquake.

While MAG-6.5+ earthquakes may cause tsunami's, it appears that the epicenter of this earthquake hit under land. In addition, the reported depth is deeper than 100km, making the risk of a tsunami even less likely. However always stay cautious and monitor advice from local authorities.

Tsunami Risk Factors

Factor Under Sea? MAG-6.5 or stronger? Shallow depth?
Explanation Almost all tsunami's are caused by earthquakes with their epicenter under sea or very near the sea. However stay cautious in coastal areas as earthquakes on land may cause landslides into sea, potentially still causing a local tsunami. Under MAG 6.5: Very unlikely to cause a tsunami.
MAG 6.5 to 7.5: Destructive tsunami's do occur, but are uncommon. Likely to observe small sea level changes.
MAG 7.6+: Earthquakes with these magnitudes might produce destructive tsunami's.
Most destructive tsunami's are caused by shallow earthquakes with a depth between 0 and 100km under the surface of the earth. Deeper tsunami's are unlikely to displace to ocean floor.
This Earthquake Not this earthquake.
This earthquake appears to have struck on land far from any coast.
Not this earthquake.
This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.5. Earthquakes of this strength are unlikely to trigger a tsunami.
This earthquake occurred at a depth of of 10 km (6 mi). Earthquakes this shallow could trigger a tsunami.

Sources

Last updated 07/01/25 16:08 (). As more information on this earthquake becomes available this article will be updated. This article is automatically composed based on data originating from multiple sources.

  1. US Geographic Society (USGS): Earthquake us6000phnz
  2. European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC): Earthquake 20250103_0000219
  3. Geonames.org: World Cities Database
  4. Google Maps: Static API
  5. Earthquakelist.org: Historic Earthquakes Database

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