The Eruption’s Progress and Decline On November 23, 2025, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region produced a powerful eruption, sending an ash cloud up to 45,000 feet into the sky—an event unseen for over twelve millennia. By November 25-26, volcanic activity began to subside, with geologists predicting the vent would remain quiet until the next cycle decades or centuries from now. Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on Sunday, Source : NDTV Scientific Analysis: What Happened Geological Setting Hayli Gubbi is positioned on the Afar Rift, a triple junction of tectonic plates famous for its seismic and volcanic instability. The November 2025 event is classified as a sub-Plinian eruption, characterized by high vertical ash columns and widespread dispersal. The eruption’s suddenness followed weeks of minor seismic tremors detected by satellite. Ash, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and aerosols spread quickly across the atmosphere, impacting air quality at high altitudes across continents. Remote Monitoring and Research Satellite images from the European Space Agency and Copernicus Earth Observation showed real-time growth and drift of the plume, with Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center tracking its movement. Local Impact in Ethiopia Villages and Livestock The Afar district of Afdera reported villages buried in ash, with residents coughing and livestock deprived of clean water and grass. Emergency mobile medical teams were dispatched to kebeles (neighborhoods) like Fia and Nemma-Gubi. Livestock’s survival was threatened as both grazing land and drinking sources were contaminated. Health concerns focused on respiratory issues from ash inhalation, though no human casualties were reported. Government and Relief Response Regional authorities worked swiftly to deploy medical personnel and relief supplies, helping villagers cope with loss of pasture, water, and limited food options. Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption as seen from space. (Photo: X/@simoncarn.bsky.social)_ Environmental Impact Beyond Ethiopia Ash Plume Spread The volcanic plume traversed vast distances, reaching the Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, northern India, and even moving towards China as of November 26. In India, major metros were affected at high altitudes but with minimal ground-level ashfall. The India Meteorological Department stated the plume would clear local airspace by late November 26. Health and environmental agencies monitored atmospheric SO₂ and fine particulate concentrations, warning of potential visibility and mild respiratory effects. Climate and Weather Effects Short-term cooling and rainfall modulation may occur regionally due to high-altitude aerosols, but major climate impacts are expected to be limited and temporary. Scientific interest in the event’s effect on jet streams and upper-atmosphere chemistry is high, with ongoing studies by remote sensing teams. Aviation and Global Travel Disruption Flight Cancellations and Rerouting Ash presence in air corridors over the Arabian Sea and western/northern India forced multiple airlines, including Air India and Akasa Air, to cancel or reroute flights since November 24. Mumbai and Delhi airports put mitigation plans in place, monitoring runways and taxiways for potential ash deposits. Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers seeking alternative routes, prolonging delays as carriers began monitoring suspected ash encounters. Aviation Safety The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India advised airlines to inspect engines and report any anomalies, as volcanic ash can cause engine failure and reduce visibility. Source : NDTV Societal, Agricultural, and Economic Impact Ethiopia’s Local Communities Villages faced short-term food and water shortages; livestock loss and soil contamination raised humanitarian concerns. Relief costs rose as government and international agencies deployed aid teams and coordinates resettlement. International Cooperation Oman’s Environment Authority and other agencies across the Gulf and South Asia activated emergency coordination to protect citizens, infrastructure, and monitor pollution levels. Trade and Tourism Ethiopia’s exports of livestock, agricultural goods, and minerals faced delay. Tourism in Afar and Danakil slowed due to ash-related disruptions but is expected to recover rapidly as conditions stabilize. Latest Scientific Insights and Ongoing Monitoring Why Did Hayli Gubbi Erupt? Geologists cite magma intrusion along the Afar Rift as the primary cause, following decades of tectonic pressure and movement. The event underlines Africa’s geological volatility and the need for enhanced early warning and monitoring systems. Remote Sensing Advances Ongoing satellite tracking enables precise modeling of ash dispersion, flight risk, and atmospheric chemistry. Copernicus and NOAA data will play key roles in refining global volcanic hazard response. In this photo released by the Afar Government Communication Bureau, people watch ash billow