The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia's Afar region, has made global headlines with its unprecedented eruption. This geological phenomenon, the first in over 12,000 years, has captivated scientists and the public alike, offering insights into the Earth's dynamic processes and the potential impacts of such events.
On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted, spewing ash nine miles into the sky. This marked the first known major eruption from this volcano, which had been dormant for more than 12,000 years. The eruption sent plumes of thick smoke and ash high into the atmosphere, disrupting air travel not only in Ethiopia but also thousands of miles away in India.
The eruption was a significant event for the region, impacting the local community and beyond. The neighboring village of Afdera was covered in dust, but fortunately, there were no reported casualties. The eruption's ash plume traveled across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman, highlighting the far-reaching effects of such natural events.
Volcanic activity at the Hayli Gubbi volcano subsided within a few days, but the impact of the eruption is still being assessed. The volcano, part of the Erta Ale Range, is situated about 500 miles northeast of Addis Ababa, near the Eritrean border. Its eruption has raised questions about the predictability of volcanic activity and the preparedness of communities in the vicinity.
The Hayli Gubbi volcano is a shield volcano, characterized by its low profile and gentle slopes. This type of volcano is typically formed from highly fluid lava flows. The recent eruption, however, was explosive, generating a large ash plume that reached approximately 10-15 kilometers into the atmosphere.
The eruption has had significant implications for air travel, with several flights in India being canceled due to the ash cloud. The European Union's Copernicus program tracked the ash plume, providing real-time data on its movement and potential impact on aviation.
The Hayli Gubbi eruption is a reminder of the Earth's dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature. While the immediate effects of the eruption have subsided, the long-term impacts on the local environment and community are still being evaluated. The event underscores the importance of ongoing research and monitoring of volcanic activity to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of affected populations.
