Earthquakes kill hundreds of cattle in Ethiopia

A series of earthquakes have killed hundreds of cattle and spewed a thick layer of ash that prevents the nomadic cattle-herding locals from feeding their livestock, forcing authorities to evacuate a remote region of Ethiopia.

Seismologists have monitored earthquakes and eruptions in the Afar region since September 18. A tremor measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck on September 24, triggering an eruption of the previously dormant Mount Arteale.

Another quake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale hit the region yesterday, triggering another eruption of the mountain, said Manahlo Belachew, an expert in the seismology Department of Addis Ababa University.

“We were also told that the earthquakes have so far damaged roads in the region’s Teru and Dubti districts, making transportation difficult in a region largely inhabited by salt-mining Afar people,” Belachew said.