A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Ethiopia early Saturday, east of the capital Addis Ababa, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ).
The quake, which occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), has heightened concerns as the region has experienced numerous minor tremors since the start of the year due to volcanic activity.
Authorities evacuated residents from the affected area, located roughly 165 km (102 miles) from Addis Ababa, following signs of an imminent eruption reported earlier in January. 
Fana Broadcasting, citing a regional administrator in Afar, confirmed the evacuations on January 3.
While Shiferaw Teklemariam, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, stated it was too early to confirm an eruption, he emphasized that authorities are taking no chances.
Stay connected with updates on this evolving situation.
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