Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts After 10,000 Years; Large Ash Cloud Moves Toward India

Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted after being dormant for over 10,000 years, producing an ash plume that reached 14 kilometers into the atmosphere. This substantial eruption severely disrupted air travel conditions, impacting areas across the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia. The ash cloud quickly traveled east, crossing the Red Sea and affecting parts of Yemen and Oman. By November 24, it reached northern India, affecting states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. The India Meteorological Department projected that the ash cloud would clear Indian airspace by 7:30 pm on November 25.

In light of the eruption, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued a safety advisory, urging airlines to avoid ash-affected zones and adjust flight plans. Consequently, several airlines, including Air India, Akasa Air, and IndiGo, canceled or rerouted flights to prioritize passenger safety. Air India alone canceled 11 flights over two days to inspect aircraft that had operated near affected areas.

The eruption significantly impacted local communities in Ethiopia’s Afar region. Villages in Afdera were blanketed in ash, leading to respiratory issues among residents and making water and grass unavailable for livestock. Mobile medical teams were dispatched to assist affected areas such as Fia and Nemma-Gubi.

Experts link the eruption to geological activities in the Afar Rift region, where tectonic plates converge. This was the first recorded eruption at Hayli Gubbi in millennia, although it is not expected to continue for long. As of now, the eruption has subsided, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.