A rare volcanic eruption in Ethiopia’s remote Afar region is impacting air travel and raising health concerns across teh Arabian Peninsula. The Hayli Gubbi volcano,experiencing its first recorded eruption in modern history beginning November 23,2025,is emitting notable ash and sulfur dioxide. Warnings have been issued to civil aviation as the plume drifts eastward, notably affecting Yemen and Oman, and prompting advisories for residents to protect against respiratory irritation. Experts are closely monitoring the situation, as volcanic activity in the region can be unpredictable and have broader environmental consequences.
A rare volcanic eruption in Ethiopia is sending plumes of ash and sulfur dioxide drifting towards parts of the Arabian Peninsula, prompting air travel advisories and health concerns. The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in the remote Afar region, began on November 23, 2025, and marks the first recorded eruption in modern history for this particular geological formation.
According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space, the ash clouds and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are expected to impact Yemen and Oman most significantly.
“The first known eruption of Hayli Gubbi volcano began at approximately 08:30 GMT on November 23, 2025,” Al Jarwan stated. “This shield volcano is located in a remote part of the Great Rift Valley, part of a volcanic system spanning Ethiopia and Eritrea. While the region is known for its geological activity, this specific volcano hasn’t been recorded as erupting for thousands of years.”
The unexpected eruption sent a dense column of ash more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into the atmosphere, visible in satellite imagery and atmospheric monitoring platforms. The release of significant amounts of sulfur dioxide has raised environmental and health concerns, particularly regarding the potential movement of volcanic plumes towards populated areas in the Arabian Peninsula.
Due to the scale of the eruption, volcanic ash advisory centers have issued warnings to civil aviation. Fine ash particles can damage aircraft engines and navigation systems. Local authorities have also advised residents to avoid the volcanic area and refrain from inhaling contaminated air.
The event has garnered attention from the scientific community, offering a rare opportunity to study volcanic activity after a prolonged period of dormancy. It also highlights the complexities of the Great Rift Valley, which is undergoing geological shifts that could indicate broader changes in the Earth’s crust.
While the eruption appears to have subsided according to the latest reports, experts emphasize the need for continued monitoring, as initial eruptions in shield volcanoes can sometimes be followed by further explosions. Prioritizing the safety of local populations and tracking the movement of ash clouds remains crucial.
Al Jarwan anticipates some impacts in the Arabian Peninsula, noting that the ash and sulfur dioxide from the Hayli Gubbi eruption are already causing a decline in air quality and potentially irritating the eyes and respiratory systems of residents in Yemen and Oman.
He added that the interaction of gases with water vapor could lead to light acid rain in affected areas. The high-altitude ash also poses a hazard to air travel over the Red Sea and surrounding regions. While widespread climatic effects are uncertain, the event warrants continuous monitoring by specialized agencies due to the possibility of changing wind patterns and ash cloud trajectories in the coming days.
The latest data from VAAC Toulouse indicates that the ash cloud (and SO2) is moving towards the east-northeast (ENE) and towards the southern parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Reports from media outlets suggest that ash has already reached parts of Yemen due to prevailing winds.
The eruption underscores the dynamic geological landscape of East Africa and the potential for unforeseen events to impact air travel and public health across a wide region.
تابعوا آخر أخبارنا المحلية والرياضية وآخر المستجدات السياسية والإقتصادية عبر Google news
