[1][2][3][4] The Afar Region is set in a tectonic boundary with three plates in a Y-shaped configuration.

The Main Ethiopian rift is a central valley some 84km wide and is extending ESE-WNW at a rate of about 2.5mm/yr.

[4][5] The first of the earthquake sequence had a magnitude of 6.2 and was the most destructive of the three causing the 20-40 deaths and 160 injuries as well as most of the damage.

The second and third earthquakes both with magnitudes of 6.1 were fortunately less worse however still caused some damage and recorded with high intensities.

The sequence triggered numerous rockslides blocking roads and transportation between the other parts of Ethiopia, as well as the outside in nearby Djibouti where moderate jolts were felt.