The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region has dramatically reawakened, erupting after an astonishing 10,000-year period of dormancy. The powerful event occurred on Sunday morning, blanketing the nearby village of Afdera in a thick layer of volcanic dust and ash. Residents described the eruption as feeling like a “sudden bomb” exploding, accompanied by dense smoke and ash clouds. While local officials confirmed no human lives or livestock were lost, the economic impact is a significant concern. Many villages are now covered in ash, severely limiting food sources for animals. The eruption has also disrupted air travel, with ash plumes darkening the skies and forcing airlines to reroute or cancel numerous flights. Major carriers like Akasa Air, IndiGo, and Air India, along with international airlines, have reported diversions and cancellations for flights to and from destinations including Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi, citing hazardous conditions at higher altitudes.
