Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts for First Time in Recorded History

A volcano in Ethiopia has erupted for the first time in recorded history, sending shockwaves through the scientific community and local communities. Hayli Gubbi, previously believed to be dormant with no activity in the Holocene period spanning the last 12,000 years, produced a dramatic blast that propelled a smoke column nine miles (14.5 km) into the sky.

The eruption coated surrounding areas with ash, posing potential challenges for local farmers and residents.

Experts note that such events highlight the unpredictability of volcanic and seismic activity. One volcanologist told Scientific American, “A volcano can still have an eruption even if it hasn’t had one in… 10,000 years.” Earthquakes remain similarly difficult to predict, though recent studies using artificial intelligence have shown promise in forecasting aftershocks following major quakes.

The unprecedented eruption underscores the need for continued monitoring and preparedness in regions considered geologically stable.