Historic Eruption After a 10,000-year Dormancy

The Hayli Gubbi volcano situated in Ethiopia's Afar Region has dramatically awakened after a slumber of at least 12,000 years, marking its debut eruption in documented history.

Significant Geological Event

Enormous emissions of ash and smoke were thrust into the sky by the eruption, spreading across Ethiopia and over the Red Sea toward the Arabian Peninsula. A significant release of sulfur dioxide accompanied this natural phenomenon.

Satellite footage depicted a colossal ash cloud drifting across the Red Sea, raising aviation safety concerns.

Aviation Warnings Issued

Authorities in Toulouse, France, issued notifications to aircraft in the vicinity, cautioning about the ash reaching heights of up to 49,000 feet. Air traffic control as far as India prepared for potential flight path disruptions due to the ash movement.

Local Impact and Community Concerns

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported following the volcanic activity. However, the surrounding communities, heavily reliant on livestock farming, face challenges as the ash blanket threatens grazing areas.

Located near the Eritrea–Ethiopia boundary, the volcanic activity persisted into Monday evening before ceasing, as reported by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center.

Understanding Hayli Gubbi

This impressive shield volcano, characterized by its broad, gentle slopes, rises over 1,700 feet with a symmetric crater 650 feet wide. It forms part of a volcanic chain in Ethiopia's Danakil Depression, a region where three tectonic plates converge.

Although previously uncertain, credible geological analysis now suggests that the last eruption occurred more than 12,000 years ago, updating its historical volcanic activity record.