Series of earthquakes strike east of Gulf of Aden, Socotra coast

DHAMAR, Jan. 03 (YPA) – The Seismic and Volcanic Monitoring Center in Dhamar reported significant seismic activity off the eastern coasts of Yemen and the Socotra Archipelago during the past few hours.

According to an official bulletin, a 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck at 5:02 p.m. on Thursday at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, followed shortly by a 4.5-magnitude aftershock in the same location just 14 minutes later.

This regional activity was corroborated by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), which recorded a stronger 5.1-magnitude tremor off Abd al-Kuri Island. The GFZ also noted multiple subsequent aftershocks, including one positioned approximately 19 kilometers from Qalansiyah in the Socotra Archipelago.

In light of this activity, geological estimates warn of potential continued tremors or the transfer of seismic energy toward the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Makran Fault. Experts are closely monitoring the situation, as the impact could potentially extend across the Horn of Africa and parts of South Asia, prompting calls for increased vigilance and readiness for any further developments.

YPA