In a rare geological event, a volcano in northern Ethiopia has erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending massive ash plumes across multiple countries including parts of India. According to early scientific reports, the Hayli Gubbi volcano located in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted early Sunday, releasing smoke plumes rising nearly 14 kilometers into the atmosphere.
Ash Plume Reaches India, Aviation Impacted
High-speed winds travelling at 100-120 km/h carried volcanic ash across the Red Sea, Yemen, Oman, and further toward western and northern India. By late Sunday night, dense ash clouds entered parts of Gujarat, later drifting over Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab.
With northern India already battling severe air pollution, experts say the volcanic ash may temporarily worsen air quality.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a strong advisory to airlines, urging them to avoid affected air routes, alter flight plans, and remain alert for possible ash-related risks, including:
- Engine abnormalities
- Smoke or odour in cabin
- Fuel efficiency disruption
Multiple international flights operating between India and major global hubs have been cancelled or delayed. Affected routes include:
- Newark → Delhi
- New York → Delhi
- Dubai → Hyderabad
- Doha → Mumbai
- Dammam → Mumbai
- Doha → Delhi
Several domestic flights between Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai were also disrupted.
IMD: Ash Cloud Expected to Exit India Soon
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the ash plume presence over Indian airspace but stated that the cloud is now drifting toward China and is expected to clear from Indian skies by 7:30 PM.
Meteorologists report the ash plume contains mainly sulphur dioxide mixed with light-to-moderate concentrations of volcanic ash potentially impacting visibility, breathing conditions, and air travel safety.
Local Impact in Ethiopia: Shockwaves and Ash Fallout
Residents near the eruption site described the event as “a sudden explosion like a bomb”, followed by shockwaves and heavy ash rainfall covering nearby villages.
The Afar region is historically prone to earthquakes, and scientists say this eruption marks the first known activity from Hayli Gubbi during the Holocene, dating back to the end of the last Ice Age.
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Summary:
A volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region, the Hayli Gubbi volcano, has erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending ash clouds across several countries, including India. Strong winds carried the ash over the Red Sea, Oman, Yemen, and into Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab, worsening already polluted air conditions in northern India.
The DGCA issued an advisory to airlines to avoid volcanic ash zones as the ash can cause engine damage and flight risks. Several international and domestic flights, especially routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad, were cancelled or delayed.
The IMD reported that the ash plume, containing sulphur dioxide and light volcanic ash, is now drifting toward China and is expected to leave Indian skies by evening. In Ethiopia, residents described the eruption like a “bomb explosion,” with shockwaves and ash covering nearby villages.
Global monitoring agencies continue to track the event as aviation and environmental impacts unfold.
