In a dramatic turn of geological events, Mount Fentale, a stratovolcano located in Ethiopia’s central rift valley, has stirred back to life. For the first time since the 19th century, signs of volcanic unrest have prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders and activate emergency response plans, raising regional and global concerns.
📍 Where Is Mount Fentale?
Mount Fentale rises from the Afar Depression, a tectonically active area where the African and Arabian plates are slowly drifting apart. The mountain overlooks the Awash National Park, a popular ecological and tourist zone in central Ethiopia, known for its dramatic rift valley landscapes and geothermal features.
🧨 What’s Happening Now?
Ethiopian geological authorities and international observatories have reported:
Increased seismic activity (earthquakes ranging from minor tremors to moderate quakes)
Elevated gas emissions, including sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide
Ground deformation, signaling magma movement beneath the surface
Thermal anomalies captured by satellite imagery, indicating rising subsurface heat
These signs strongly point to magma buildup beneath the volcano, increasing the likelihood of an eruption.
🛑 Evacuations and Government Response
Authorities have evacuated thousands of residents from villages surrounding Mount Fentale as a precautionary measure. The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission has set up emergency shelters and is working with international partners for monitoring and humanitarian support.
Areas most at risk include:
Towns within a 30-kilometer radius of the volcano
Parts of Awash National Park
Local infrastructure including roads and geothermal energy installations
🏞️ Why Mount Fentale Matters
Mount Fentale is not just a dormant geological feature. It is a culturally significant and environmentally vital landmark:
The last known eruption occurred in the 1800s, making this one of the longest dormant volcanic periods in the East African Rift
The surrounding region supports wildlife, agriculture, and eco-tourism
Any eruption could impact air travel, local agriculture, and human settlements
🌍 Volcanic Activity and East Africa’s Rift System
Mount Fentale’s unrest highlights the broader tectonic activity of the East African Rift—a region where continental plates are slowly splitting apart, creating faults, volcanoes, and geothermal phenomena.
Other active or recently active volcanoes in this region include:
Erta Ale (known for its persistent lava lake)
Dabbahu
Mount Nyiragongo (in the DRC, part of the same tectonic system)
This region is considered a volcanological hotspot, and events like Fentale’s awakening serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of Earth’s crust.
🧠 What Happens Next?
Scientists will continue monitoring Mount Fentale using:
Seismic data
Ground-based gas sensors
Satellite imagery
Aerial thermal surveys
The next few days and weeks are crucial. A minor eruption could release gas and ash, while a larger event might disrupt ecosystems, displace communities, and affect the economy.
All indicators show the volcano is becoming more active
I’m Winejagati, a experienced writer and researcher with years of experience in marketing, stock market trading, and business analysis. Well-versed in technology and global affairs, I’m passionate about delivering clear, insightful content that helps readers stay informed and ahead of the curve.
