The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Northern Ethiopia erupted on November 23, 2025, marking its first eruption in nearly 12,000 years. The event created significant disturbances in nearby villages, with satellite imagery revealing plumes of pale ash spreading across the arid landscape. Prior to this eruption, the last recorded activity of the Hayli Gubbi volcano aligned closely with the onset of the Holocene Epoch, a period that began approximately 11,700 years ago.
While no fatalities have been reported, the eruption has left villages in the remote Afdera district covered in ash, adversely affecting both homes and livestock. According to reports from the Associated Press, Abedella Mussa, a health official in the Afdera district, confirmed that mobile medical services were dispatched from the Afar region to assist affected neighborhoods.
Impact of the Eruption
The eruption sent massive clouds of ash approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) into the atmosphere, which subsequently drifted as far as Pakistan and Northern India. This widespread ash fallout led to flight cancellations across several regions during the week following the eruption. The ash clouds have since begun to move towards China, underscoring the event’s far-reaching effects.
Atalay Ayele, a seismologist and researcher at the Institute of Geophysics, Space Science and Astronomy at Addis Ababa University, indicated that Ethiopia is home to roughly 50 active volcanoes. He noted, “At any time, these volcanoes can be active or can show manifestations of activity.” Despite the lack of scientific forecasts regarding this specific eruption, local residents reported observing smoke emerging from Hayli Gubbi in the days leading up to the event.
This recent eruption is not the first instance of volcanic activity in Ethiopia this year. The Erta Ale volcano, also located in the Afar region, is known for its continuous volcanic activity and had seen reports of a dense black cloud rising from its summit in mid-July 2025.
Current Situation and Future Monitoring
As of November 28, 2025, reports indicate that the volcanic activity at Hayli Gubbi has ceased. The potential for future eruptions remains, as the region’s geological characteristics suggest ongoing volcanic activity is a possibility. Authorities are likely to continue monitoring the area closely to assess any further developments.
The event highlights the importance of geological awareness in regions prone to volcanic activity. Continued research and monitoring will be essential in mitigating the impact of such eruptions on local communities and ensuring public safety in the future.