Starts 6 Aug 2026 11:00
Ends 6 Aug 2026 12:00
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ICTP Associates Seminar: Challenges of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Ethiopia: lessons from the recent Fentale-Dofen volcano seismic activity
Leonardo Building
Stasi Room
ICTP Associates Seminars are part personal, part scientific, with speakers sharing their career trajectory and experiences, then introducing their research field and work. This seminar will be given by Prof. Atalay Ayele Wondem from the Institute of Geophysics Space Science and Astronomy of Addis Ababa University.
We look forward to seeing many of you in-person or online at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/9hJpULyeTuOKKvck7sqCgg
Abstract:
The East African Rift System (EARS) is one of the most active rifts globally, extending from the Red Sea in the north to Mozambique in the south. It is characterized by intense seismic and volcanic activity as the African plate divides into two smaller plates: the Nubian and Somalian plates. The Ethiopian Rift, situated almost at the centre of EARS, is of particular concern due to its high seismicity, numerous active volcanoes, and associated hazards. This region, which includes the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) and the Afar Depression, is susceptible to both earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, posing significant risks to local populations and infrastructure. Notably, the Fentale Volcanic Centre, located in southern Afar, is one of the region’s active volcanic sites. Recent seismic events that occurred from September 2024 to March, 2025 have heightened concerns about the area's vulnerability to earthquake and volcanic hazards. However, despite these risks, the capacity for seismic monitoring and risk assessment remains limited. Along the EARS, especially in Ethiopia, rapid urbanization and infrastructure development are increasing, further elevating the risk levels. Without proper awareness, preparedness, and capacity building—both in human resources and monitoring facilities—improving building codes and risk mitigation strategies—the potential costs of a disaster could be devastating in the future.
Bio:
Atalay Ayele is Prof. of Geophysics (Seismology) at the Institute of Geophysics Space Science and Astronomy of Addis Ababa University. He is currently involved in teaching and advising postgraduate students, coordinating & running the national seismic station network of the country, data analysis and research. He contributed a lot for the success of several broadband seismic experiments in collaboration with overseas researchers. He was Coordinator of sub-Saharan Africa Global Earthquake Model (GEM) and founding president of the African Seismological Commission (AfSc). He is Station Operator (OS) and principal point of contact to the CTBTO (comprehensive Test Ban Treat Organization). He is Visiting Fellow of Leeds and Bristol Universities and the 2023 AfOx (Africa Oxford) Fellow. Prof. Ayele is fellow of the Ethiopian Science Academy. He is the 2021 international award recipient of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) in recognition for making an outstanding contribution to furthering the Earth and space sciences and using science for the benefit of society in developing nations. He is senior associate of the ICTP. Prof. Atalay also authored and co-authored several papers in highly reputable journals.
We look forward to seeing many of you in-person or online at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/9hJpULyeTuOKKvck7sqCgg
Abstract:
The East African Rift System (EARS) is one of the most active rifts globally, extending from the Red Sea in the north to Mozambique in the south. It is characterized by intense seismic and volcanic activity as the African plate divides into two smaller plates: the Nubian and Somalian plates. The Ethiopian Rift, situated almost at the centre of EARS, is of particular concern due to its high seismicity, numerous active volcanoes, and associated hazards. This region, which includes the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) and the Afar Depression, is susceptible to both earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, posing significant risks to local populations and infrastructure. Notably, the Fentale Volcanic Centre, located in southern Afar, is one of the region’s active volcanic sites. Recent seismic events that occurred from September 2024 to March, 2025 have heightened concerns about the area's vulnerability to earthquake and volcanic hazards. However, despite these risks, the capacity for seismic monitoring and risk assessment remains limited. Along the EARS, especially in Ethiopia, rapid urbanization and infrastructure development are increasing, further elevating the risk levels. Without proper awareness, preparedness, and capacity building—both in human resources and monitoring facilities—improving building codes and risk mitigation strategies—the potential costs of a disaster could be devastating in the future.
Bio:
Atalay Ayele is Prof. of Geophysics (Seismology) at the Institute of Geophysics Space Science and Astronomy of Addis Ababa University. He is currently involved in teaching and advising postgraduate students, coordinating & running the national seismic station network of the country, data analysis and research. He contributed a lot for the success of several broadband seismic experiments in collaboration with overseas researchers. He was Coordinator of sub-Saharan Africa Global Earthquake Model (GEM) and founding president of the African Seismological Commission (AfSc). He is Station Operator (OS) and principal point of contact to the CTBTO (comprehensive Test Ban Treat Organization). He is Visiting Fellow of Leeds and Bristol Universities and the 2023 AfOx (Africa Oxford) Fellow. Prof. Ayele is fellow of the Ethiopian Science Academy. He is the 2021 international award recipient of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) in recognition for making an outstanding contribution to furthering the Earth and space sciences and using science for the benefit of society in developing nations. He is senior associate of the ICTP. Prof. Atalay also authored and co-authored several papers in highly reputable journals.