Hayli Gubbi Erupts After 12,000 Years: A Rare Geological Shock in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has been thrust into the global spotlight after the Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years—an event scientists are calling one of the most extraordinary geological occurrences of the century. The eruption took place in the Afar region, a geologically active zone where three tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart, making it one of the most volcanically dynamic locations on Earth.
According to reports from CBS News, the eruption occurred roughly 500 miles northeast of Addis Ababa, near the Eritrean border. Witnesses and satellite imagery confirmed that colossal plumes of smoke shot nearly nine miles (14 km) into the atmosphere. The ash cloud quickly dispersed, carried by high-altitude winds across Yemen, Oman, India, and even reaching northern Pakistan—underscoring the immense power of the explosion.
GMA News reported that the eruption lasted several hours, generating ash columns so massive they were visible from space. Satellite images showed the plume drifting across the Red Sea, forming a vast gray trail stretching over thousands of miles. The scope and reach of the ash cloud highlight how even remote volcanic events can have far-reaching atmospheric impacts.
Scientists say this eruption is significant not only for its rarity but also for what it reveals about the geological volatility of the Rift Valley. The region is part of the East African Rift System, where Earth’s crust is gradually thinning and splitting. This process often leads to earthquakes, fissures, and volcanic activity—but a major eruption from a volcano dormant for millennia is exceptionally unusual.
Experts are now monitoring the area closely for potential aftereffects, including lava flow activity, air quality hazards, and additional seismic disturbances. The ash cloud poses a threat to aviation routes, prompting regional airspace advisories and flight path adjustments.
While no large-scale casualties have been reported so far, the event serves as a powerful reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our planet. The awakening of Hayli Gubbi after 12,000 years not only marks a monumental moment in geological history but also provides scientists with a rare opportunity to deepen their understanding of volcanic behavior in the Rift Valley—one of Earth’s most geologically active regions.