From Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi to Indonesia’s multiple earthquake: A look at November 2025 | World News

November remained one of the most seismically active months of the year 2025, with a rare volcanic eruption in Ethiopia and a cluster of moderate to strong earthquakes rattling countries across Asia.
Here is a look at the events:
Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Volcano:
The most dramatic event of November came from the Horn of Africa, where Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano—silent for nearly 12,000 years—suddenly roared back to life on November 23. But unlike the fiery eruptions often associated with volcanoes, Hayli Gubbi unleashed towering plumes of ash and volcanic gases, darkening skies across parts of northeastern Ethiopia. There was no major lava flow, but scients say the event is significant because the volcano has been dormant since prehoric times.
The volcanic ash was travelling at a height at which most of the long-dance aeroplanes fly. These pose dangers of a lack of visibility and possible inhalation of toxic gases like SO2. Airline schedules had to be disrupted to avoid these. The India Meteorological Department said the situation would revert to normal from Tuesday evening.
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia was dormant for almost 12,000 years. (Image Source: NASA/Reuters)
Across Asia, the ground shook repeatedly as several countries recorded strong earthquakes in quick succession.
Bangladesh Earthquake
In Bangladesh, a 5.7-magnitude quake struck last week (November 21, 2025), jolting buildings and sending people outdoors in panic. At least 10 people were killed and over a hundred injured.
Afghanan Quake
Afghanan on November 2 was hit a strong 6.3-magnitude quake—one of the most powerful in the region, though it was lower than the deadly August 31 quake, which killed nearly 2,000 people. The shaking was intense enough to be felt across neighbouring countries. At least 20 people have died, and 320 others have been injured.
Indonesia’s multiple jolts
Further southeast, Indonesia has seen multiple earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 5.9 to 6.6 near its island chains. The most recent one of magnitude 6.6 hit an island off the coast of Sumatra in western Indonesia on Thursday.Story continues below this ad
As one of the world’s most active seismic regions, the country experiences frequent tremors, but the clustering of quakes over successive days has drawn concern from officials monitoring the situation.
Japan’s quake and the tsunami warning
In Japan, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami warning, prompting coastal evacuations and emergency alerts. The quake shook large parts of northern Japan, and authorities said they were monitoring the seas for any rise in water levels. While the warning was later lifted, the tremor revived memories of the country’s devastating 2011 tsunami.