Unprecedented Eruption of Hayli Gubbi Volcano Shakes Ethiopia’s Afar Region
After remaining dormant for over 12,000 years, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in northern Ethiopia has erupted, sending massive ash clouds soaring into the sky.These plumes have traveled across the Red Sea and reached distant countries such as Yemen and Oman, marking a rare geological event in this part of Africa.
Immediate Effects on Nearby Communities
The eruption occurred early Sunday morning at a site approximately 800 kilometres northeast of Addis Ababa. The village of Afdera experienced heavy ashfall that blanketed homes and roads,severely disrupting everyday activities. Locals described the sudden explosion-like event with shock; one resident likened it to “an unexpected thunderclap,” emphasizing how quickly life was interrupted.
Travelers heading toward the Danakil Depression found themselves stranded as thick layers of volcanic ash made passage unachievable through affected areas.
No Casualties Reported but Economic Strain Looms
Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities have been confirmed so far. Though, officials express growing concern about economic hardships facing pastoralist communities whose livestock are now threatened by food scarcity caused by widespread ash covering grazing fields.
Afar regional leader Mohammed Seid highlighted that while human safety remains intact for now, many animals are struggling to find adequate forage beneath volcanic deposits.
The Geological Importance Within an Active Rift Zone
The Hayli Gubbi volcano rises roughly 500 metres above ground within Ethiopia’s tectonically dynamic Rift Valley-a region where two major plates are pulling apart. This rift is notorious for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to continuous crustal shifts beneath the surface.
This eruption stands out scientifically because there has been no recorded activity from this volcano during the entire holocene epoch-the current geological era spanning about 12 millennia sence Earth emerged from its last Ice Age phase.
“This eruption predates any known ancient records by thousands of years,” experts emphasize,highlighting its extraordinary rarity.”
Ash Dispersal Impacts Multiple Nations Across Borders
The Toulouse Volcanic ash Advisory Center (VAAC) reported that volcanic smoke ascended up to 14 kilometres into Earth’s atmosphere before drifting over Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan. This wide-reaching spread illustrates how eruptions can affect air quality and disrupt aviation safety far beyond their origin points.
Wider Environmental and Economic Consequences in the Region
- Agricultural Threats: The deposition of fine volcanic ash on farmland risks altering soil properties temporarily or even long-term depending on subsequent rainfall patterns-possibly reducing crop yields across affected zones.
- Difficulties for Livestock Herders: Pastoralists face immediate challenges feeding animals deprived of natural pastures covered by thick layers of ash; similar impacts were documented after recent eruptions at Mount Merapi in Indonesia where herders suffered significant losses due to contaminated grazing lands.
- tourism Setbacks: The Danakil Depression is a magnet for adventurous tourists worldwide; however sudden natural disasters like this eruption may deter visitors until conditions improve again-negatively affecting local economies reliant on tourism revenue streams.
