Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on Sunday, November 23, 2025, marking the first time this dormant volcano has shown significant activity in nearly 12,000 years. Located in the Afar region, about 500 miles northeast of Addis Ababa near the Eritrean border, the eruption sent a massive plume of ash nine miles into the sky, creating a spectacle visible from space.
The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano is a geological event of significant importance, as it has remained dormant since the start of the Holocene epoch, a period that began around 11,700 years ago. The volcano erupted for several hours on Sunday morning, spewing thick smoke and ash high into the atmosphere. This event, while remarkable for its rarity, has had far-reaching impacts, including disruptions to air travel in distant regions like India.
The Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption has been closely monitored by scientific agencies and has drawn interest from geologists worldwide. The volcano, a shield volcano, is part of the Erta Ale range in Ethiopia's Danakil region. The eruption resulted in a large ash plume that reached an altitude of approximately 10-15 kilometers, making it one of the most significant volcanic events in recent years.
The impact of the Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption extends beyond Ethiopia’s borders. The ash cloud has disrupted air travel across the Red Sea, forcing airlines in India to cancel numerous flights. This highlights the global repercussions of volcanic activity, even in remote regions. The eruption has been tracked using satellite data, providing valuable insights into the behavior of this long-dormant volcano.
Despite the disruption caused by the Hayli Gubbi volcano, the immediate area around the eruption site remains sparsely populated. This has limited the direct impact on local communities, although the long-term effects on the region’s environment and ecology are yet to be fully understood. The volcanic activity subsided on Tuesday, November 25, but the event continues to be studied for its geological significance and potential future implications.
The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia serves as a reminder of the Earth’s dynamic nature and the importance of monitoring geological activity. As scientists continue to analyze the data from this rare event, it will undoubtedly contribute to our understanding of volcanic eruptions and their global impacts.
