National Current Affairs
Hayli Gubbi Volcano
- 25 Nov 2025
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has erupted explosively, sending high-altitude ash plumes thousands of metres up, some of which have drifted into Indian airspace, triggering aviation advisories.
Key Points
- Hayli Gubbi volcano is located in Afar, northeastern Ethiopia, within the Danakil Depression - one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth.
- The current eruption is significant because the volcano is believed to have erupted after nearly 12,000 years, based on geological evidence from the Afar Rift.
- The Hayli Gubbi eruption highlights the geological volatility of the East African Rift System (EARS) where active volcanism, fissure eruptions, and spreading ridges are common.
- It is one of the world’s most tectonically active rift systems where the Arabian, Nubian, and Somali plates are diverging.
- The region is characterised by basaltic lava, fissure systems, and frequent seismic activity linked to the continental rifting process.
Volcanic Ash & Aviation Risks
- Volcanic ash is made of tiny, abrasive particles of rock and glass that can melt inside jet engines and cause serious damage.
- Jet engines can stall when ash melts and re-solidifies on turbine blades.
