On October 6, 2024, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Fentale mountain region, around 150 kilometers east of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. Though the epicenter was far from the capital, its tremors were strongly felt in Addis Ababa, causing alarm in many areas, including neighborhoods like Bole, Ayat, and Kasanchis. The shaking, though brief, caused some residents to evacuate buildings out of fear.

Experts from the Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Geophysics and Space Science explained that the earthquake originated from the Fentale area near Awash and Metehara. While it impacted large parts of central Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, no significant structural damage or casualties have been reported at this time. The earthquake occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometers, which caused tremors to be felt over a wide area​.

Though no severe damage was immediately noted, authorities are conducting thorough assessments, especially in remote areas near the epicenter. People in Addis Ababa were advised to remain cautious, as aftershocks are possible in the days following the event​.