AFAR
PASTORALIST DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
QAFAR
DACARSITTO DADALIH EGLA
afarpda@yahoo.com, afarpastoral@telecom.net.et (251)011
5159787 (251)
0911 642575/ 0911 246639 Fax
(251) 0115538820 Field Office, Logya (25133)
5500002
Statement on the current earthquake
in central Afar Region
1.
In summary
As of
September 29th with the initial cracking of the earth’s surface,
tremors have been felt daily. Today’s report from the affected area states the
tremors are now diminishing strength. After the initial quake on September 29th,
there was a further opening up of the earth’s surface on October 3rd.
The areas affected are Boyna and Dabaaho
in Teeru Woreda and an area
into Dubte Woreda between Digdiga in Teeru and Seykoyta in Dubte Woreda. Too, while there has not been any contact with
people from the place, it is reported that 4 water sources in Mabay kebele, Teeru
Woreda have been sucked underground.
Therefore
the actual damage to the environment can be summarized as follows:
a) In
Boyna and the adjoining kebele
of Dabaaho, land used as traditional steam wells by
the pastoralists split open on September 29th causing an enormous
volume of steam to pour out. This gave the initial impression of volcanic
eruption. The land crack extends for some kilometers
b) In
Digdiga kebele, Teeru 3 water sources were sucked underground
c) It
is not substantiated but verbal news has it that 4 water sources in Mabay were sucked underground.
d) An
earth crack has arisen between Digdiga and Seykoyta, a previously constructed but non-functional road
connecting the area to Semara, the Regional capital.
All named
districts form an adjoining belt across eastern Teeru
Woreda and into the adjoining Dubte
Woreda.
2.
Background
Afar Region is on a known fault line, the last earthquake having occurred in March 2003 not far from the current site in north - western Dubte Woreda. Then, the historic Kori water source was sucked underground and the earth has opened up an ever- widening crack that extends for some 35 kilometers. The region’s active volcano, Ert’ale in the Danakal Depression is some 100 kilometers north of the currently affected site. As mentioned above, the site of the initial quake (Boyna and Dabaaho) is where Afar have been harvesting the steam that comes out of the ground as condensed drinking water for some centuries.
3.
Human displacement and
casualty
At the
initial earthquake some 500 people fled from the area into kebeles
of Teeru Woreda in the
central grazing basin as follows:
a) 300
people from Boyna moved into Barantu
and Ibiidi kebeles
b) 200
people from Dabaaho moved into Maramara
and Ibiidi.
Miraculously,
there is no reported loss of life and the only injury to date is that of a woman who incurred a broken arm from falling rocks.
4.
Animal loss
The
community reports the following animal losses – mostly animals were burnt by
steam erupting from the split ground:
|
Kebele |
Camels |
Goats/ Sheep |
Donkeys |
Total |
|
Boyna |
110 |
350 |
34 |
494 |
|
Dabaaho |
91 |
360 |
30 |
481 |
|
Total |
201 |
710 |
64 |
975 |
5.
Need for assistance
While WFP
are reportedly delivering food to Teeru Woreda, the main need is that of household goods and
drinking water containers for the 500 displaced people.
Action Contre Le Faim, MSF France and
UNICEF have also visited the affected area along with DPP &FSB and
government officials.
On advice of a volcanologist, the government is trying to move people from all neighboring kebeles. To date, people are showing reluctance stating they now have optimum grazing in Teeru for their animals right now and they are not willing to risk taking animals to other areas.