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Ethiopia, El Sky News —The previously dormant Hayli Gubbi Volcano, located in the Afar region of northeastern Ethiopia, erupted explosively on Sunday morning, 23 November 2025. This marks the first documented eruption of the volcano in approximately 12,000 years, sending massive ash plumes high into the sky and impacting local communities, aviation, and livestock in surrounding areas.
Eruption Chronology & Immediate Impact
According to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), the eruption began around 08:30 UTC, producing a volcanic ash column reaching 14 km above sea level. Satellite imagery captured a massive ash and gas plume spreading across the Red Sea toward Yemen and parts of South Asia.
Residents described the eruption as a “sudden explosion” accompanied by a shockwave and loud roar. Villages near the volcano, such as Afdera, were reported to be covered in volcanic ash affecting houses, farmland, and grazing areas. No casualties or livestock losses have been confirmed, but the ash has disrupted water sources and grazing land for pastoral communities.
About Hayli Gubbi Volcano
Hayli Gubbi is a shield volcano located at the southern end of the Erta Ale Range within the tectonically active Afar Rift Zone. It rises approximately 500 meters (1,620 feet) above sea level. Prior to this eruption, there was no recorded activity during the Holocene, making this a historically significant event.
The region is highly geologically active due to its position at the junction of the African and Arabian tectonic plates, making East Africa a hotspot for volcanic and seismic activity.
Wider Impact: Ash, Aviation & Regional Concerns
The ash plume traveled across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman, affecting international flight paths. Several flights have been canceled or rerouted to avoid ash-contaminated airspace.
Authorities warn of potential health risks (respiratory problems), water contamination, and vegetation damage posing a serious concern for pastoral communities relying on grazing land now covered by volcanic ash. Villages near the volcano are reportedly blanketed in ash, with reduced visibility and transportation disruptions, complicating evacuation and relief operations.
Scientific & Historical Significance
This eruption represents the first confirmed activity of Hayli Gubbi in recorded history after more than 12,000 years of dormancy, marking a major geological event in the Afar Rift region.
Scientists are expected to study the eruption closely, analyzing ash dispersion, volcanic gas emissions (SO₂), seismic activity, and potential future risks to improve predictions of volcanic hazards in one of Africa’s most geologically active zones. The event also highlights the interaction between natural disasters and human livelihoods, as remote communities and pastoralists remain highly vulnerable, underscoring the importance of disaster preparedness and emergency response capacity.
What to Watch Next
Authorities and communities need to monitor official updates from the Ethiopian government regarding evacuations, ash cleanup, and humanitarian assistance for affected residents. In addition, monitoring air quality, ash distribution, and potential health risks for nearby populations is critical. Aviation warnings must also be observed, as volcanic ash continues to pose a threat to flight safety. Scientists will continue tracking sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, seismic activity, and satellite imagery to assess the likelihood of further eruptions from Hayli Gubbi.
