Eyewitness Says Ethiopian Volcano Explosion “Felt Like a Sudden Bomb”

Residents of Ethiopia’s Afar region describe a deafening blast as the long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years.

Eruption Rocks Remote Afar Region

A long-dormant volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region, the Hayli Gubbi, erupted on Sunday for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, according to eyewitnesses.

Locals described a terrifying blast, saying it was “like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash.”

One resident, Ahmed Abdela, recalled hearing a “very loud sound” and feeling a shock wave when the volcano exploded.

Another local administrator, Mohammed Seid, said there were no immediate casualties, but expressed concern over the impact of the ash on livestock and the local economy.

Ash Cloud and Its Spread

The eruption sent a massive plume of ash and smoke, reaching altitudes of 14 km, which could be seen for miles.
Satellite data confirms the ash cloud is drifting over the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman, raising concerns about air quality and aviation.
Local authorities are monitoring the fallout, as several villages are now covered in ash, affecting daily life and grazing fields.

Why This Eruption Is Historic

According to the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program, there’s no record of Hayli Gubbi erupting during the Holocene epoch (about the last 12,000 years).
Scientists say the region’s tectonic activity makes it vulnerable; the volcano lies in a highly active rift valley.
If the ash continues to travel, it could have wide-reaching environmental and economic effects in East Africa and beyond.

What Witnesses Fear and Anticipate

Residents are worried about immediate and long-term effects:

Livestock could suffer due to contaminated grazing grounds.
Health risks from airborne ash — respiratory issues, especially among children and elderly.
Disruptions to transport and tourism, particularly in the Danakil Desert, a key tourist region.