Rare Eruption in Ethiopia as Long-Dormant Volcano Awakens After Millennia

A remote volcano in Ethiopia has erupted for the first time in roughly 12,000 years, sending shockwaves through nearby communities and drawing global scientific attention to one of the Horn of Africa’s most geologically active regions.

The eruption began with a series of tremors detected in the early hours of the morning, followed by explosive activity that sent ash plumes high into the sky. Lava flows have been observed moving down the mountain’s slopes, though authorities say the immediate threat to populated areas remains limited due to the volcano’s isolated location.

Local officials have urged caution, advising residents of small communities within a wide radius to stay alert as seismic activity continues. Evacuation plans are on standby in case ash, gases, or shifting lava flows move closer to inhabited zones.

Scientists are calling the eruption a “once-in-millennia event,” noting that the volcano has shown no historical record of activity since the end of the last Ice Age. Geological teams are already preparing to travel to the site to study the composition of the lava and ash, hoping the eruption will offer rare insight into the region’s deep volcanic systems.

The event has temporarily disrupted travel in parts of northern Ethiopia, with flights diverted due to ash clouds drifting across air routes. Authorities are monitoring air quality, though no major health issues have been reported so far.

For now, the focus remains on assessing the scale of the eruption and predicting what comes next. With tremors still ongoing, experts warn the volcano could enter a prolonged period of activity, potentially reshaping parts of the surrounding landscape.

Residents, meanwhile, are watching the distant glow on the horizon — a powerful reminder of the natural forces that lie beneath Ethiopia’s ancient terrain.

Author: M.J