Seismic shockwaves in Afar leave 16 schools destroyed, 21 damaged

Addis Abeba – The Afar Education Bureau reported that 37 schools across the region have been damaged due to a series of ongoing earthquakes.

According to Abdu Hassan Yayo, the bureau’s head, some schools have been completely destroyed, while others have sustained partial damage.

The damage occurred in schools located in the Awash-Fantale, Dulasa, and Hanruka districts.

“Sixteen schools were entirely destroyed, while 21 others suffered partial damage,” the official explained. “The regional government is working to ensure that students can continue their education by establishing committees at the regional level to monitor and provide support.”

The Afar region and its surrounding areas have recently experienced a series of seismic events, including a 5.8-magnitude earthquake on 04 January, 2025, recorded 56 kilometers south-southeast of Abomsa. Earlier the same day, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck 44 kilometers northeast of Āwash at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Recent reports indicate that the Kesem Sugar Factory, situated in the Dulasa district of the Afar region, has sustained significant damage due to the ongoing earthquakes. AS