Associates Seminar: ICTP Associate and Ethiopian seismologist discusses, risk and volcanos

[Infopoint]

The Associates Office and ICTP Global Science Portal welcome you all to a
hybrid Associates Seminar entitled:

"Challenges of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Ethiopia: lessons from
the recent Fentale-Dofen volcano seismic activity"
with Prof. Atalay Ayele, ICTP Associate from Addis Ababa University,
Ethiopia,

at 11am CEST, Thursday 6th August in the Stasi room, or online at:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/9hJpULyeTuOKKvck7sqCgg

Abstract:
The East African Rift System (EARS) is one of the most active rifts
globally, extending from the Red Sea in the north to Mozambique in the
south. It is characterized by intense seismic and volcanic activity as the
African plate divides into two smaller plates: the Nubian and Somalian
plates. The Ethiopian Rift, situated almost at the centre of EARS, is of
particular concern due to its high seismicity, numerous active volcanoes,
and associated hazards. This region, which includes the Main Ethiopian
Rift (MER) and the Afar Depression, is susceptible to both earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions, posing significant risks to local populations and
infrastructure. Notably, the Fentale Volcanic Centre, located in southern
Afar, is one of the region’s active volcanic sites. Recent seismic events
that occurred from September 2024 to March, 2025 have heightened concerns
about the area's vulnerability to earthquake and volcanic hazards.
However, despite these risks, the capacity for seismic monitoring and risk
assessment remains limited.

Along the EARS, especially in Ethiopia, rapid urbanization and
infrastructure development are increasing, further elevating the risk
levels. Without proper awareness, preparedness, and capacity building—both
in human resources and monitoring facilities—improving building codes and
risk mitigation strategies—the potential costs of a disaster could be
devastating in the future.


ICTP Associates Seminars are part personal, part scientific, with speakers
sharing their career trajectory and experiences, then introducing their
research field and work.

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Associates Office and ICTP Global Science Portal.