In Ethiopia, in the northeastern Afar region, the eruption of the Haili Gubbi volcano occurred, marking the first such event in the last 12,000 years. The volcano emitted powerful columns of smoke reaching heights of up to 14 kilometers, and ash clouds spread across the Red Sea towards Yemen and Oman.
The eruption lasted several hours on Sunday and took place approximately 800 kilometers northeast of Addis Ababa, near the border with Eritrea. Local official Mohammed Said reported that, fortunately, there were no casualties; however, the eruption could negatively impact the lives of local herders.
Said noted that the Haili Gubbi volcano had previously shown no signs of activity and expressed concern for the safety of local residents. "Although no one was harmed and livestock were not affected, many villages are covered in ash, and there is almost nothing for the animals to eat," he said.
This volcano, which stands about 500 meters tall, is located in the Rift Valley, known for its high geological activity due to the collision of two tectonic plates.
According to data from VAAC, the clouds of volcanic ash also reached Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan. Local resident Ahmed Abdela reported hearing a loud sound followed by a shockwave. "It sounded like a bomb falling, with clouds of smoke and ash rising around," he added.
