Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Risk of Ethiopian volcanic eruption prompts evacuation of residents

Eruption of hot lava from a mountain top.

What you need to know:

  • The Ethiopian Geological Institute posted a video on its Facebook page showing what appeared to be dust and smoke emerging from a volcano in Awash Fentale in Afar region.

A volcano in northeastern Ethiopia was showing signs of starting to erupt on Friday, prompting authorities to move residents to temporary shelters, a state-affiliated broadcaster and a government geological office said.

The Ethiopian Geological Institute posted a video on its Facebook page showing what appeared to be dust and smoke emerging from a volcano in Awash Fentale in Afar region.

Fana Broadcasting, citing a regional administrator in Afar, reported that authorities had evacuated residents out of the affected area, which is roughly 165 km (102 miles) from the capital Addis Ababa.

Shiferaw Teklemariam, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, said it was too early to label the activity an eruption, but authorities were not taking chances.

"The community; some are already leaving those areas. We are also preparing to do it in a well organised manner. It (moving the community) will be done based on predictions," he told Reuters.

The area experiencing volcanic activity has also been prone to earthquakes and tremors in recent months.