Ethiopian Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts for First Time in 12,000 Years
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted on November 23, 2025, marking its first eruption in nearly 12,000 years. The event sent plumes of ash soaring 8.7 miles (14 km) into the atmosphere, affecting nearby villages in the remote Afdera district. Despite the eruption’s intensity, no fatalities have been reported, although significant ash deposits impacted homes and livestock in the surrounding areas.
Satellite imagery captured the striking aftermath of the eruption, showing vast clouds of pale ash stretching across the arid landscape. According to reports from the Associated Press, local health officials began mobilizing medical services to assist affected neighborhoods, known as kebeles, in the Afdera district. Abedella Mussa, a health official in the area, confirmed that assistance was dispatched from the Afar region to provide necessary care.
The ash clouds generated by the eruption drifted far beyond Ethiopia, reaching as far as Pakistan and northern India. This widespread dispersion resulted in flight cancellations across several airports during the week following the eruption, with the ash beginning to move toward China as well.
Scientific Insights into Volcanic Activity
Atalay Ayele, a seismologist at the Institute of Geophysics, Space Science and Astronomy at Addis Ababa University, provided insights into Ethiopia’s geological landscape. He noted that the country is home to approximately 50 active volcanoes, any of which could exhibit signs of activity at any time. Ayele emphasized that there were no scientific forecasts predicting this particular eruption, though some locals reported observing smoke emanating from Hayli Gubbi in the days leading up to the event.
Ethiopia has experienced volcanic activity earlier in 2025. The Erta Ale volcano, located in the Afar region, is known for its persistent eruptions and had visible activity with a dense black cloud reported in mid-July 2025.
As of November 28, 2025, reports indicate that the eruptive activity at Hayli Gubbi has ceased. The geological implications of this eruption will likely be monitored closely by scientists and locals alike, as they assess the impact on the environment and the communities affected. The historical significance of this eruption not only marks a notable geological event but also emphasizes the need for ongoing research and preparedness in volcanic regions.
