M4.8 Depth: 10.0 km

M4.8 Earthquake near Zone 3, Afar Region (Ethiopia)

UTC time: 2025-03-16 18:53:10 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.8 earthquake was recorded near Zone 3, Afar Region (Ethiopia) on March 16, 2025 at 18:53 UTC. With a focal depth of about 10 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

The event was recorded by USP.

Details

Magnitude

M4.8

Depth

10.0 km

UTC time

2025-03-16 18:53:10 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Ethiopia

State

Afar Region

City

Zone 3

County

Zone 3

Source

usp

Coordinates

9.37510, 40.24676

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

10 km

10 km — shallower than the regional average (15.1 km)

Regional average: 15.1 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

Dofen

Distance: 13 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 1'151 m ·Ethiopia
Liado Hayk

Distance: 22 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 878 m ·Ethiopia
Hertali

Distance: 46 km ·Fissure vent ·Elevation: 900 m ·Ethiopia
Fentale

Distance: 57 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'007 m ·Last eruption: 1789 ·Ethiopia
Beru

Distance: 72 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 1'100 m ·Ethiopia
Kone

Distance: 87 km ·Caldera(s) ·Elevation: 1'380 m ·Last eruption: 1820 ·Ethiopia

Historic earthquake map · Ethiopia

Open history map

Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · Ethiopia

Country overview

View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

642

Country (24h)