DAGAHBUR, ETHIOPIA — A volcano in northeastern Ethiopia has awakened after nearly 12,000 years of dormancy, releasing a plume of ash that blanketed nearby villages and drifted toward the Arabian Peninsula. The eruption at Hayli Gubbi, located in the Afar region, occurred around 8:30 a.m. local time on November 23, 2025, and continued its explosive activity for several hours. Fortunately, local officials have reported no casualties, but concerns remain about the ash fallout affecting communities and air travel across the region.
Hayli Gubbi is part of the Erta Ale volcanic range, which includes some of the most active volcanoes in Ethiopia. The Erta Ale volcano itself has been erupting continuously since at least 1967. Despite its geological significance, much about Hayli Gubbi remains a mystery, primarily due to the harsh and remote terrain in which it is located. This area is characterized by extreme temperatures and limited rainfall, contributing to challenges in studying its volcanic activity.
The recent eruption generated an ash plume that reached heights of approximately 45,000 feet. The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center was among the first to alert aviation authorities of potential disruptions, warning that ash clouds might impact flights over Yemen, Oman, Pakistan, and India. Initial assessments also indicated that the eruption released significant amounts of sulfur dioxide, which can further affect air quality and contribute to environmental concerns.
Ethiopia’s Afar region, home to Hayli Gubbi, is known for its volcanic history, rooted in a geological feature known as the East African Rift. This extension of the Earth’s crust has been active for millions of years, creating a landscape rich with geological formations, such as deep valleys and highlands. The East African Rift serves as a divergent plate boundary, where the Arabian Plate and two sections of the African Plate gradually pull apart. The interactions of these tectonic plates have made the region one of the most volcanically active areas in the world.
There are approximately 50 identified Holocene volcanoes within Ethiopia, classifying it among the countries with the highest numbers of active volcanoes globally. Nations such as the United States, Japan, and Indonesia surpass Ethiopia in this regard. The British Geological Survey notes that a significant percentage of Ethiopians live within close proximity to these volcanoes, exposing them to hazards associated with volcanic activity, including potential eruptions and earthquakes.
In the wake of the Hayli Gubbi eruption, local herders are facing immediate challenges as ash has settled on grazing lands, posing risks to livestock and livelihoods. The impact of the eruption on agriculture and food security will likely be assessed in the coming days, as authorities evaluate environmental and economic ramifications.
As tectonic activity continues to shape the landscape, Ethiopia may experience more frequent volcanic events. Enhanced monitoring and preparedness efforts will be critical for communities living near these geological features, particularly as they navigate the complexities of natural hazards in a seismically active region.