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Hayli Gubbi 2025 Eruption: Everything to Know About Ethiopia’s Reawakening Volcano
Hayli Gubbi is a shield volcano located in Ethiopia’s Afar Region, and as of November 23, 2025, it has gained global attention after erupting for the first time in recorded history. Once considered dormant for nearly 8,000–10,000 years, the volcano suddenly reawakened with a powerful explosive event, sending ash high into the atmosphere and triggering worldwide scientific interest.
What Is Hayli Gubbi?
Hayli Gubbi is a low, broad shield volcano situated in the southernmost part of the Erta Ale volcanic range, one of Africa’s most active and tectonically dynamic regions. It lies within the Afar Depression, where the African and Arabian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart.
Though the region is known for frequent eruptions, Hayli Gubbi was not among the volcanoes expected to activate, making the 2025 eruption a historic geological event.
Hayli Gubbi Location (Afar Region, Ethiopia)
Situated in one of the hottest and most geologically active zones on Earth, the volcano sits:
- In the Erta Ale Range, known for its lava lakes and fissure eruptions.
- Within the Great Rift Valley, where new crust is forming.
- Close to remote desert communities, making monitoring historically difficult.
Its isolation means scientific records before 2025 were limited, contributing to the surprise surrounding its reactivation.
Geological Profile of Hayli Gubbi
Shield Volcano Structure
Hayli Gubbi is characterized by:
- A wide, gently sloping shield structure formed by ancient fluid lava flows.
- A 200-meter-wide summit crater.
- A prominent symmetrical scoria cone.
- A complex fissure system extending across its northern flank, where younger lava flows are visible.
These features suggest a long history of effusive eruptions, though none were documented in modern geological time.
The 2025 Hayli Gubbi Eruption: What Happened?
The Earthquake Trigger
On November 23, 2025, a magnitude 4.7 earthquake shook the Afar Region.
Scientists believe this quake ruptured a buried magma dam. And also, allowed magma to surge upward.
It also triggered a rapid pressure buildup beneath the volcano.
Within hours, Hayli Gubbi erupted.
Ash Plume and First Eruption on Record
The eruption sent an ash plume 3 km (10,000 ft) into the sky, marking the volcano’s first confirmed activity in recorded history. Possibly its first eruption in 8,000+ years, according to geological data.
Satellite images from NASA, ESA, and global volcanology networks showed dramatic thermal signatures and an expanding ash cloud.
Latest Updates and News (2025)
Ash Cloud Reaches Red Sea and Yemen
By November 24–25, 2025:
- Ash clouds from Hayli Gubbi drifted across the Red Sea,
- Reaching parts of Yemen,
- Impacting visibility and prompting aviation advisories.
Possibility of Continued Lava Flow
Volcanologists from the Smithsonian GVP and IRIS suggest the eruption may transition into steady lava effusion, or a prolonged volcanic event similar to past Erta Ale eruptions.
Global Scientific Response
The eruption has led to new emergency monitoring stations around the volcano. As of this moment, high-resolution mapping using drones and satellites are deployed.
Fortunately, this may lead to increased study of the African Superplume and tectonic rift activity.
Hayli Gubbi History Before 2025
Despite its ancient lava fields, Hayli Gubbi had no known Holocene eruptions (the last 12,000 years). Also, due to location difficulty, there has been limited geological mapping. Only partial records from expeditions dating back about 180 years.
The volcanic structure suggests it was once highly active in prehistoric times, long before human documentation.
Why the Hayli Gubbi Eruption Matters
A Rare Geological Event
A major volcano reawakening after 10,000 years is scientifically extraordinary.
A Window Into Africa’s Rift Evolution
The Afar Depression is one of the only places on Earth where a new ocean is forming; events like this help researchers understand crust formation.
Potential for Future Activity
Scientists warn that the region may now be entering a more active volcanic cycle. Hayli Gubbi could continue erupting intermittently.
Thoughts
The Hayli Gubbi volcano has rapidly transformed from a forgotten shield volcano into one of 2025’s most significant natural events. Its unexpected eruption after thousands of years has captivated global scientists and triggered extensive research into East Africa’s tectonic and volcanic future.
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About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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