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M4.8 Depth: 10.0 km

M4.8 Earthquake near Bale, ʿoromiya kiልል Oromia awrwmya (Ethiopia)

UTC time: 2026-03-21 19:14:41 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On March 21, 2026 at 19:14 UTC, a magnitude M4.8 earthquake occurred near Bale, ʿoromiya kiልል Oromia awrwmya (Ethiopia). With a focal depth of about 10 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Earthquakes of this magnitude are clearly felt; minor damage to vulnerable buildings is possible.

The data is provided by GFZ and cross-checked across seismological networks.

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 10 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 10 km
Shallow
10 km
10 km — shallower than the regional average (14.9 km)
Regional average: 14.9 km
Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Volcanoes nearby

  • Melkassa
    Distance: 106 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 1'765 m ·Ethiopia
  • Boset
    Distance: 108 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 2'447 m ·Ethiopia
  • Bora-Bericha-Tullu Moye
    Distance: 115 km ·Pyroclastic cone ·Elevation: 2'345 m ·Last eruption: 1900 ·Ethiopia
  • Gedemsa
    Distance: 116 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 1'909 m ·Ethiopia
  • Kone
    Distance: 123 km ·Caldera(s) ·Elevation: 1'380 m ·Last eruption: 1820 ·Ethiopia
  • East Ziway
    Distance: 124 km ·Fissure vent(s) ·Elevation: 1'889 m ·Ethiopia

Historic earthquake map · Ethiopia

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Stats (last 24h)

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