Geo-hazard in Ethiopia

This paper presents an overview of the potentially dangerous geological–geomorphological processes that characterize the territory of Ethiopia. Due to the active crustal mobility causing the ongoing rifting between the Arabian and African plates, this country is particularly prone to high magnitude earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Moreover, the climate, characterized by long-lasting and intense precipitation during the rainy seasons, and the recurrent earthquake shocks are the triggering factors of a variety of landslides that are particularly favoured by the rugged topography, marked by deep valleys and high steep slopes. All these processes may induce different levels of risk in relation to the different hazards and vulnerabilities, especially after the recent development and planning of road networks, dams, reservoirs, and the establishment of new urban settlements in previously uninhabited areas. Finally, an overview of the measures taken by the Ethiopian authorities so far to mitigate geological hazards is presented along with some proposals for future mitigation initiatives.