Is Africa at Risk of Major Earthquakes?

Experts have raised concerns about Africa’s vulnerability to earthquakes, especially in seismic zones like the East African Rift System. Countries in the region, like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, are particularly at risk due to the geological activity along fault lines. And while West Africa is often considered tectonically stable, recent tremors in Ghana and Nigeria indicate potential seismic risks. Elsewhere, Lake Kivu’s dangerous mix of methane and carbon dioxide compounds the danger from a potential earthquake due to the risk of a limnic eruption that could suffocate thousands. Despite these risk factors, Africa remains underprepared for such disasters, with less than a third of its countries having early warning systems. Experts advocate for better seismic monitoring, disaster preparedness, and building standards to change this.

DW