Ethiopia's Fearsome Awakening: Volcano Erupts After 12,000 Years of Slumber
A long-dormant volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region has finally stirred to life after nearly 12,000 years of silence. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located over 500 miles north-east of Addis Ababa, erupted for several hours on Sunday, sending massive plumes of smoke into the sky and across the Red Sea towards Yemen and Oman.
The sheer scale of the eruption was witnessed by locals, who reported hearing a loud sound and feeling a sudden shock wave. "It felt like a bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash," said resident Ahmed Abdela, describing the experience. The volcano's ash clouds drifted as far as India and northern Pakistan, highlighting the significant global impact of this geological event.
The Afar region is known for its seismic activity, and the Hayli Gubbi volcano sits at the intersection of two tectonic plates, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This latest eruption has sparked fears for the livelihoods of local residents, many of whom rely on livestock herding for their income.
"We've never seen anything like this before," said Mohammed Seid, a local official who has expressed concerns about the economic implications of the eruption. "The ash is covering villages, and our animals are struggling to find food."
Experts confirm that the Hayli Gubbi volcano had no known eruptions during the Holocene era, which began around 12,000 years ago. The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program has verified this, highlighting the significance of this event as a rare occurrence.
As the region struggles to come to terms with the aftermath of this powerful eruption, concerns about global climate change and geological instability continue to grow. One thing is certain: Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano has once again asserted its presence on the world stage, serving as a poignant reminder of the awe-inspiring power and unpredictability of nature.
A long-dormant volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region has finally stirred to life after nearly 12,000 years of silence. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located over 500 miles north-east of Addis Ababa, erupted for several hours on Sunday, sending massive plumes of smoke into the sky and across the Red Sea towards Yemen and Oman.
The sheer scale of the eruption was witnessed by locals, who reported hearing a loud sound and feeling a sudden shock wave. "It felt like a bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash," said resident Ahmed Abdela, describing the experience. The volcano's ash clouds drifted as far as India and northern Pakistan, highlighting the significant global impact of this geological event.
The Afar region is known for its seismic activity, and the Hayli Gubbi volcano sits at the intersection of two tectonic plates, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This latest eruption has sparked fears for the livelihoods of local residents, many of whom rely on livestock herding for their income.
"We've never seen anything like this before," said Mohammed Seid, a local official who has expressed concerns about the economic implications of the eruption. "The ash is covering villages, and our animals are struggling to find food."
Experts confirm that the Hayli Gubbi volcano had no known eruptions during the Holocene era, which began around 12,000 years ago. The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program has verified this, highlighting the significance of this event as a rare occurrence.
As the region struggles to come to terms with the aftermath of this powerful eruption, concerns about global climate change and geological instability continue to grow. One thing is certain: Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano has once again asserted its presence on the world stage, serving as a poignant reminder of the awe-inspiring power and unpredictability of nature.