Ethiopia sits on the East African Rift, where the continent is slowly splitting apart. This page pulls real records for Ethiopia: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Ethiopia.
Check Ethiopia hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk near Ethiopia - or search any city or region.
Popular
Earthquake risk in Ethiopia - FAQ
Is Ethiopia at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 19 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 389 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M6.5 in 1906.
What was the biggest earthquake in Ethiopia?
The strongest earthquake on record near Ethiopia is M6.5, in 1906 (8 km E of Goba, Ethiopia), from USGS.
Does Ethiopia get tsunamis?
No tsunamis are recorded within 389 km of Ethiopia in the NOAA database - though coastlines everywhere carry some residual risk after a very large offshore quake.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Ethiopia?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.