Ethiopian Volcano Eruption Sends Ash Across India

Post by : Raina Nasser

An extraordinary volcanic eruption in northern Ethiopia has unleashed a vast ash cloud that has traveled thousands of kilometers, affecting areas in India, including Delhi, late Sunday night. This sudden occurrence disrupted flight operations and stirred fresh concerns regarding the already compromised air quality in the capital city.

The Hayli Gubbi volcano, situated in Ethiopia’s Afar region, erupted in the early hours of Sunday. Its ash and smoke shot up nearly 14 kilometers into the atmosphere, marking the first eruption in almost 12,000 years. Strong winds, gusting between 100 and 120 km per hour, carried the ash over the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsula, eventually reaching India.

By late Sunday, ash clouds infiltrated Gujarat and began moving towards Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. Numerous regions in northern India reported hazy conditions as the ash progressed eastward.

Ash Cloud Trajectory and Meteorological Alerts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that robust upper-level winds have propelled the ash towards Indian territories. According to officials, the ash cloud is anticipated to shift further to China and dissipate from Indian airspace by Monday evening.

Weather specialists have pointed out that the ash consists of sulphur dioxide and minor amounts of volcanic particulate matter. While significant deterioration in India's air quality is unlikely, there may be a temporary rise in sulphur levels in areas near the Himalayas and the Nepal border.

Flight Cancellations and Airline Precautions

The ash cloud has caused substantial disruptions in air travel. India’s aviation authorities have issued advisories urging airlines to steer clear of affected routes and altitudes to avoid potential engine damage.

Several carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have implemented precautionary measures.
Air India has canceled eleven flights, which include services from Newark to Delhi, New York to Delhi, Dubai to Hyderabad, and Doha to Mumbai, among others. The airline emphasized that safety checks were essential for aircraft that could have traversed the ash-affected zones.

IndiGo assured passengers that its teams are closely monitoring the situation and have prepared safety protocols in collaboration with global aviation authorities. Other airlines are adjusting their routes and schedules to prioritize passenger safety.

Local Effects in Ethiopia

In the Afar region of Ethiopia, residents described hearing a loud explosion-like sound during the eruption. Several nearby communities were blanketed in ash, with thick smoke visible for kilometers. The volcano is located within the Rift Valley, an active geological region characterized by tectonic plates slowly moving apart, making it susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

An Uncommon Geological Incident

Experts affirm that the Hayli Gubbi volcano has had no documented eruptions for the past 12,000 years, rendering this incident exceedingly rare. Videos circulated online depict towering white and gray plumes ascending into the sky, although many cannot be immediately verified.

Authorities in Ethiopia and surrounding regions are diligently monitoring the situation, as aftershocks and additional geological activity could transpire.