Ethiopian Volcano Blasts for Initial Instance in Twelve Millennia
A volcanic peak in northeastern Ethiopia has exploded for the initial occasion in nearly 12,000 years, propelling dense columns of ash up to 9 miles (14km) into the atmosphere, as reported by volcanic observers.
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, situated in the Afar region of Ethiopia about 500 miles north-east of the capital Addis Ababa near the border with Eritrea, burst forth on the past Sunday for a number of hours.
This volcano, which stands about 500 metres in elevation, sits within the Rift Valley, a area of significant tectonic movement where multiple tectonic plates meet.
Ash clouds from the blast drifted over the nation of Yemen, Oman's airspace, the Indian subcontinent and northern Pakistan, observation agencies stated.
A satellite image depicting volcanic debris from the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption in the country.
In videos circulated on social media, a heavy column of white smoke could be observed rising, though verification was not immediately available.
Global volcanic activity databases noted that Hayli Gubbi has had no recorded outbursts during the Holocene epoch, which started about 12,000 years ago at the conclusion of the most recent glacial period.
A volcanic expert confirmed on a online service that Hayli Gubbi “has no history of eruptions in the Holocene”.
Regional officials have yet to responded regarding potential injuries or the number of evacuees.
