Ethiopia’s Volcano Eruption Shocks the Region as Ash Plume Drifts Toward Pakistan
A long-dormant volcano in Ethiopia erupted for the first time in millennia, sending a high-altitude ash cloud across the Red Sea toward Pakistan. Authorities issued historic aviation warnings, though ground-level risks remain limited.
A rare and powerful eruption from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano has shocked the region. For the first time in nearly 12,000 years, the volcano erupted, sending a massive ash plume that has since drifted across the Red Sea and towards parts of the Arabian Peninsula. This has raised concern in neighboring countries, including Pakistan.
1. What Happened
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, erupted on 23 November 2025. It sent a towering plume of ash and smoke up to 14 kilometers (about 45,000 ft) into the sky.
This eruption is historic. Hayli Gubbi has not had any known eruptions during the Holocene, which is the last approximately 12,000 years.
The volcanic cloud drifted eastward over Yemen and Oman before reaching the airspace above southern Pakistan via the Arabian Sea.
2. Pakistan’s Response: Historic Aviation Warning
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued its first volcanic ash alert after detecting the ash 60 nautical miles south of Gwadar at a high altitude of around 45,000 ft.
According to PMD, three separate advisories were issued to the aviation sector, marking a landmark in the country’s meteorological history.
While the ash cloud passed over Pakistani airspace, officials noted that the atmosphere is now “almost clear” and the risk to ground-level air quality is minimal.
3. Why the Ash Plume Is a Concern
Volcanic ash contains fine glass particles that can damage aircraft engines, clog filters, and create serious hazards for commercial aviation.
Flight paths have already been disrupted. For example, several airlines canceled or adjusted flights to avoid airspace affected by ash.
Although the plume flew high, its drift into the region shows how volcanic events, even in remote areas, can have wide-reaching effects that cross seas and borders.
4. On-the-Ground Impact in Ethiopia
The eruption covered nearby villages in ash, threatening local livelihoods. Farmers reported ash-covered grazing lands, which could endanger livestock.
Residents described the blast as sounding like a “sudden bomb,” with tremors felt across settlements.
No immediate casualties have been reported, but the economic and environmental impact on local communities could be significant.
5. What’s Next: Monitoring & Risk in Focus
Meteorological and volcanic agencies are closely tracking the ash cloud’s path using satellite and advisory systems, like the VAAC.
Aviation authorities in the region remain vigilant, especially for high-altitude international flights.
Though immediate impacts in Pakistan seem limited, the incident raises important questions about cross-border volcanic risks, air safety, and how vulnerable remote regions are to geological events.
Conclusion
The sudden eruption of Hayli Gubbi in Ethiopia has become a regional event, not just for its rarity but for the extent of its effects. The plume’s drift towards Pakistan triggered a historic ash alert and disrupted air travel, even as Pakistan’s skies are close to normal. As the world observes, this volcanic awakening highlights how interconnected our planet is: a blast in the Horn of Africa can reach all the way to South Asia.