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. |
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Location: | 54 km WNW of Āsbe Teferī, Oromiya, Ethiopia. Coordinates 9°17'55"N 40°25'29"E. |
Map: | 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. |
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.
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. |
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
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.