Volcanic Eruption Map Spotlight: Hayli Gubbi, Ethiopia

What is the name and location of the volcano?

As of November 25, 2025, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopias Afar region has erupted for the first time in nearly 10,000 years (1).

The volcano is situated about 800 kilometers northeast of Addis Ababa and near the village of Afdera in the Danakil area, a geologically active zone known for volcanic systems and tectonic plate movement (2).

Hayli Gubbi lies within the East African Rift Valley, southeast of the active Erta Ale volcano. The region is part of a seismically active corridor where the African and Arabian tectonic plates diverge, contributing to the volcanos long-term instability and potential for rare but significant eruptions (3).

Which cities or areas are affected by the volcanic eruptions?

The eruption has directly affected communities in Ethiopias Afar region, especially the village of Afdera, which has been blanketed in ash. Beyond Ethiopia, the ash plume has traveled across national borders due to high-altitude winds, influencing atmospheric conditions and aviation safety across several countries (4).

The areas impacted by ash movement include multiple regions across the Middle East and South Asia, where airspace restrictions and flight disruptions have been issued in response to the volcanic plume:

Afar region, Ethiopia
Afdera, Ethiopia
China
Delhi, India
Gujarat, India
Haryana, India
Himalayas region
Maharashtra, India
Nepal
Northern Arabian Sea
Northern Pakistan
Oman
Punjab, India
Rajasthan, India
Tarai region near the Nepal India border
Yemen

What is the current status of the volcanic event?

As of November 25, 2025, the main eruptive activity of the Hayli Gubbi volcano has subsided, but the residual ash plume continues to travel at high altitudes (5).

The eruption initially produced towering ash columns up to 45,000 feet, carrying fine particles, sulfur dioxide, and volcanic gases across international airspace.

Monitoring agencies report that the ash plume has moved away from northern India and is now dispersing into the upper atmosphere toward China and the Pacific, reducing immediate risks for major population centers. Scientists continue to track seismic activity, plume density, and potential for renewed emissions due to the regions tectonic conditions (6).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Local authorities in the Afar region have not issued widespread mandatory evacuations, but communities around Afdera are experiencing significant ashfall and are being monitored for health and safety impacts.

Residents closest to the volcano have been advised to avoid ash-contaminated areas, protect livestock, and monitor updates from local officials.

Across South Asia and the Middle East, alerts have primarily focused on aviation safety. Meteorological and aviation authorities have instructed airlines to avoid contaminated airspace and conduct precautionary inspections on aircraft that may have flown near the plume.