A long dormant volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted over the weekend, sending ash clouds drifting across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman. The unexpected eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano blanketed surrounding villages in thick ash and raised concerns about long term impacts on livestock herders who depend on the fragile ecosystem of the Afar region. While no injuries have been reported, local authorities warn that the fallout could disrupt livelihoods and tourism in one of Ethiopia’s most geologically active areas.
Hayli Gubbi Erupts Without Historical Precedent
The Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on Sunday morning with no known history of previous activity. Local administrator Mohammed Seid stated that there is no record of the volcano erupting in the past, adding to the shock experienced by residents. Villages near Afdera were coated in ash, raising fears about food sources for livestock, a critical foundation of the regional economy. Seid emphasized that while human and livestock casualties have been avoided so far, ash coverage has severely limited grazing, creating immediate economic pressure on herding communities.
Ash Plumes Track Across the Red Sea
The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center confirmed the eruption after identifying ash plumes on satellite imagery. Winds carried these plumes westward across the Red Sea in the direction of Yemen and Oman, prompting regional monitoring for potential air quality concerns. Residents in Afar described a forceful blast accompanying the eruption, with one witness, Ahmed Abdela, saying it “felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash.” The combination of noise, ash fall and shock waves left villages temporarily immobilized.
Tourism and Transport Disrupted
The eruption’s effects reached local tourism activity near the Danakil desert, a popular destination known for its geological features. Ash covered the surrounding landscape on Monday, leaving tourists and guides stranded as conditions prevented travel onward into the desert. Local authorities released images and videos of the towering ash column rising above the volcano, documenting both the scale of the event and the challenges facing the region as cleanup and assessment begin.
Conclusion
The unexpected eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano has shocked residents and raised concerns about its long term impact on livelihoods, livestock and tourism. While casualties have been avoided, ash covered villages face immediate hardship, and regional authorities continue to monitor the movement of volcanic plumes. As assessments continue, the event underscores the vulnerability of the Afar region to sudden geological activity.