A momentous and rare geological event occurred on Sunday, November 23, 2025, as a long-dormant volcano in northern Ethiopia, Hayli Gubbi, erupted for the first time in an estimated 12,000 years. The colossal eruption, which has sent towering plumes of ash across continents, has caused significant disruption far beyond the immediate region.
Eruption Details: A 12,000-Year Silence Broken
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, a shield volcano that is part of the Erta Ale range in Ethiopia’s northern Afar region, had been inactive since the beginning of the current Holocene Era. This long silence was broken by the eruption of the volcano in Ethiopia.
At approximately 11:30 am local time, the volcano violently awakened, ejecting a massive column of volcanic ash and dust. The scale of the eruption was extraordinary, with advisory centers reporting that the ash plume reached heights of around 45,000 meters (148,000 feet). The volcano is situated in the geologically significant Ethiopian Rift Valley, a region formed by shifting tectonic plates that are pulling apart the land masses of Africa and Arabia.
Local and Regional Impact
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties in Ethiopia. However, local communities in the Afar region are facing severe challenges. The presence of such a volcano in Ethiopia has posed new threats to these communities.
- Livestock Threat: The thick layer of volcanic ash and dust has blanketed the surrounding area, covering the natural forage that local livestock depend on. This poses a serious economic and subsistence threat to the majority livestock-herding communities.
- Ground Effects: Residents reported hearing a sound “like a sudden bomb” and observing the area plunged into near-darkness by the initial cloud of dark smoke. Vibrations and moderate tremors were felt as far away as the neighboring country of Djibouti.
A Global Shockwave: Flight Chaos
The most immediate international consequence of the eruption has been severe disruption to air travel. The volcanic ash cloud traveled swiftly across the Red Sea, passing over Yemen and Oman, before spreading eastward across continents, reaching Pakistan and India. Notably, the volcano in Ethiopia has affected air travel worldwide.
Volcanic ash is a major hazard to aviation. It contains abrasive particles that can damage aircraft engines, reduce visibility, and contaminate airfields.
As a precaution, the ash cloud prompted major airlines—including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa, and KLM—to cancel several flights to and from affected regions. Indian aviation authorities issued advisories urging airlines to avoid affected altitudes and conduct precautionary checks on aircraft. This event serves as a stark reminder of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland, which similarly paralyzed European airspace.
The reawakening of Hayli Gubbi has made the Danakil Depression more fascinating than ever. If you want to witness this unprecedented volcanic spectacle, Afropia Adventures organizes safe and memorable expeditions to the region.
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