The earthquake in Myanmar has raised alarms about earthquake preparedness globally, particularly in Africa, where experts, like seismologist Gladys Karegi Kianji, caution about the continent's seismic threats. Significant past earthquakes in Morocco and Ethiopia highlight Africa's vulnerability, particularly along the East African Rift System, a geological area prone to seismic activity as it divides into the Nubian and Somali Plates. The 2016 Seismotectonic Map of Africa marked various seismic zones, with the East African Rift identified as especially risky. Experts urge heightened awareness and better local disaster response to mitigate future catastrophes.
"I don't hire an apartment in a tall building beyond the first floor in Nairobi," Kianji said, emphasizing the urgent need for greater awareness of Africa's seismic risks.
Africa lies on a complex geological structure that makes it vulnerable to seismic activity, particularly the East African Rift System, which leads to frequent earthquakes.
In 2016, geologists created the Seismotectonic Map of Africa, highlighting active seismic zones and detailing the potential risks across various countries.
East African Rift, covering Malawi, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Madagascar, is identified as the most earthquake-prone area, with tremors causing significant damage regularly.
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