Ethiopia's Rare Volcano Eruption Sends Ash Cloud to India

A unique volcanic eruption in northern Ethiopia has produced an extensive ash cloud that has traveled thousands of kilometers, reaching parts of India, including Delhi, late Sunday. This unexpected occurrence disrupted flight operations and raised new air quality concerns in the already polluted national capital.

The Hayli Gubbi volcano, situated in Ethiopia's Afar region, erupted early Sunday. Its ash and smoke soared nearly 14 kilometers into the atmosphere, marking its first eruption in approximately 12,000 years. Strong winds, blowing at about 100 to 120 km per hour, transported the ash across the Red Sea and into the Arabian Peninsula before reaching India.

By late Sunday, the ash had spread into Gujarat and continued to drift towards Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. Northern India experienced cloudy skies as the ash moved eastward.

Ash Cloud's Path and Weather Advisory

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) clarified that robust upper-level winds guided the ash from Ethiopia into India. Officials predict that the ash cloud will process toward China and clear Indian skies by Monday evening.

Meteorologists indicated that the plume consists of sulphur dioxide along with trace amounts of volcanic ash. While it's not expected to dramatically impact India's air quality index, it might momentarily raise sulphur levels in areas near the Himalayas and the Nepal border.

Flight Disruptions and Airline Precautions

The ash cloud has led to significant disruptions in air travel. India’s aviation authorities issued an advisory asking airlines to avoid impacted routes and altitudes to safeguard against engine issues.

Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have adopted precautionary measures.
Air India cancelled eleven flights, including connections from Newark to Delhi, New York to Delhi, Dubai to Hyderabad, Doha to Mumbai, and others. The airline highlighted the need for safety assessments for aircraft potentially flying through the ash-affected areas.

IndiGo reassured its passengers that its teams were closely monitoring the situation, along with implementing safety provisions in collaboration with international aviation organizations. Other airlines also adjusted their flight routes and schedules to prioritize passenger safety.

Local Reaction in Ethiopia

Residents in Ethiopia's Afar region noted a loud explosion-like sound accompanying the eruption. Numerous nearby villages were blanketed in ash, with thick smoke visible for miles. The volcano is positioned within the Rift Valley, a geologically active area where tectonic plates diverge, making the region vulnerable to earthquakes and eruptions.

A Noteworthy Geological Phenomenon

Experts emphasized that the Hayli Gubbi volcano has undergone no confirmed eruptions in the past 12,000 years, which amplifies the rarity of this event. Online videos displayed towering white and gray plumes reaching into the sky, although many of these visuals remain unverified.

Ethiopian authorities and neighboring regions continue to observe the situation given the possibility of aftershocks and further geological activities.