Long‑Dormant Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts in Northern Ethiopia; Ash Plumes Drift Toward Yemen and Oman

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region erupted Sunday, sending ash across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman and blanketing the nearby village of Afdera. Officials reported no casualties but warned that ash is affecting livestock grazing and local livelihoods. Satellite imagery confirmed the eruption, and tourists near the Danakil Depression were temporarily stranded. Authorities are monitoring air quality and the eruption's wider impact.

12:00 AM, 11/25/2025Environment

Long‑Dormant Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts in Northern Ethiopia; Ash Plumes Drift Toward Yemen and Oman

A long-dormant volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region erupted on Sunday, sending towering ash plumes across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman and coating the nearby village of Afdera in volcanic dust.

Local administrator Mohammed Seid said there were no reported human casualties so far, but warned the eruption could have serious economic consequences for pastoral communities that rely on grazing livestock.

“While no human lives and livestock have been lost so far, many villages have been covered in ash and as a result their animals have little to eat,” Seid said.

The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center reported the event after observing the eruption in satellite imagery. Local authorities also shared photos and video showing a high ash column rising from the Hayli Gubbi vent.

The Afar region is seismically active. A resident, Ahmed Abdela, described a loud blast and a shock wave associated with the eruption.

“It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash,” Abdela said.

By Monday, ash still blanketed areas near the Danakil Depression — a popular, remote tourist destination — leaving some tourists and guides temporarily stranded in Afdera. Officials say livestock may struggle to find clean grazing until ash is cleared or dispersed, and local communities face potential short-term shortages of fodder.

Authorities and monitoring agencies are continuing to assess the situation. Residents and visitors have been advised to avoid ash exposure where possible, protect water supplies, and follow instructions from local officials as assessments of air quality, agricultural impact and aviation risks continue.

Long‑Dormant Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts in Northern Ethiopia; Ash Plumes Drift Toward Yemen and Oman

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