Ethiopian volcano erupts after 12,000-years dormancy: Hayli Gubbi volcano erupts near Erta Ale in Afar Region
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on November 23, 2025, for the first time in nearly 12,000 years. This volcano, located near the Erta Ale range in the Danakil Depression, sent thick plumes of ash up to 14 kilometers (around 9 miles) into the sky. The ash plume drifted eastward over the Red Sea towards Yemen and Oman, with lower-level ash moving towards the Arabian Peninsula and further east affecting areas including northern India, Pakistan, and Iran. The eruption lasted several hours and was marked by an explosive event around 8:30 UTC.
The eruption produced a large emission of sulfur dioxide detected by satellite. Roughly 9,000 people live within 30 km of the volcano, but so far, no injuries or flight disruptions have been reported. However, the ash fall has caused concerns for local livelihoods, particularly the livestock herding communities, as ash has blanketed villages affecting grazing areas. Light tremors were also felt in nearby towns like Afdera, and the event caused a shock-wave-like noise described by locals.
Hayli Gubbi had no known recorded eruptions during the Holocene epoch, roughly the last 12,000 years, making this event significant geologically and historically. The volcano sits about 15 km southeast of the currently active Erta Ale volcano, which is known for its persistent lava lake.
The eruption is notable as a rare geological event after millennia of dormancy, with widespread ash dispersal affecting multiple countries and raising local ecological and economic concerns.
