Volcanoes Awakening: Hayli Gubbi in Ethiopia and Five Others Around the World

Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano recently erupted after a dormant period of 12,000 years, releasing thick smoke and ash into the sky, affecting air travel in India. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia had multiple powerful eruptions in 2025, although it wasn’t dormant for such an extended period like Hayli Gubbi. Volcanoes are openings in the Earth’s crust through which magma and ash escape, forming volcanic cones. Dormant volcanoes can stay quiet for ages until tectonic activity triggers an eruption. The Nabro Volcano on the Eritrea-Ethiopia border erupted in June 2011 after 10,000 years, causing ash plumes reaching 13 km high, affecting East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Chaitén Volcano in Chile erupted in May 2008 after being dormant for 9,000 years, leading to massive evacuations and billions of dollars in damages. Fourpeaked Volcano in Alaska erupted in September 2006 after over 10,000 years, causing aviation warnings across North Pacific due to ash clouds. Cerro Hudson Volcano in Chile erupted in August 1991 after 3,000 years, resulting in agricultural losses and evacuations. Lastly, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted in June 1991 after 600 years, causing casualties and global temperature drop. These examples demonstrate the unpredictable nature of dormant volcanoes awakening after long periods.