URGENT UPDATE: The long-dormant Hayli Gubbi Volcano has erupted in northern Ethiopia early Sunday morning, sending massive ash plumes across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman. The eruption, which occurred on October 1, 2023, has already affected the nearby village of Afdera, leaving it covered in dust and debris.
Local administrator Mohammed Seid confirmed that, while there have been no casualties reported, the eruption poses serious economic challenges for local livestock herders. Residents are on high alert as the ash cloud continues to spread, impacting air quality and visibility.
Eyewitness Ahmed Abdela described the eruption as a terrifying event, stating, “It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash.” The tremor from the volcano was so intense that it produced a shock wave felt by those nearby. Onlookers have captured dramatic photos and videos of the towering ash plume, which are being circulated by local authorities.
The village, located near the popular Danakil Desert, is a key tourist destination. As of Monday, October 2, tourists and guides heading to the desert found themselves stranded due to the ongoing ash fallout. The local community is worried about the potential long-term impacts on tourism and livestock, crucial for their livelihood.
Reports indicate that ash from the eruption has reached as far as the Red Sea, causing disruptions in air travel and raising concerns for nearby nations. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and assessing the full extent of the eruption’s impact.
As this situation develops, residents and officials are urged to stay vigilant. The local government is expected to issue further advisories as they gather more information about the ongoing volcanic activity.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent situation as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
