A massive ash cloud from the Hayli Gubbi volcanic eruption in northern Ethiopia that drifted across the Arabian Sea and reached India on Monday night is now moving over parts of north India, prompting aviation authorities to issue safety guidelines for airlines.
However, it is not expected to impact the air quality as the ash cloud is primarily at mid-levels of the atmosphere, experts said on Tuesday.
The eruption, which occurred on Sunday after the long-dormant volcano suddenly became active, released a thick plume that travelled across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman before advancing toward the Indian subcontinent.
By 11 p.m. on Monday, the ash plume had entered Indian airspace and was observed over Delhi, with movement expected towards Punjab and Haryana through the night and well into Tuesday.
Now, the question arises will Punjab be covered in ash cloud generated due to Ethiopia's volcanic eruption? Check answer below-
Well, reports suggest that ash cloud will directly impact Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Haryana. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said that the ash clouds from the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia are expected to move away from India and drift towards China by 7:30 pm.
According to the IMD, on Tuesday, the ash plume drifted over Gujarat, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. While the cloud remains primarily at middle levels of the atmosphere, it has caused temporary flight disruptions and prompted authorities to issue safety advisories for aviation.
The volcanic ash plume, which disrupted several flights across the country on Monday and Tuesday, had raised concerns over air quality and aviation safety in northern and western India.
The ash plume originated from the Hayli Gubbi volcano in northern Ethiopia, which erupted after being dormant for 12,000 years, producing a massive ash column that soared approximately 14 kilometres into the sky.
High-level winds carried the ash cloud eastward across the Red Sea, over Yemen and Oman, and further across the Arabian Sea toward the Indian subcontinent.
Earlier, IndiaMetSky Weather had explained that the plume consists mainly of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) with low to moderate concentrations of volcanic ash.
“The Ash plume mostly consists of Sulphur Dioxide with low to moderate concentrations of Volcanic Ash. It’s now stretching from Oman-Arabian sea region into plains of North & Central India. It will not impact AQI levels but it will impact SO₂ levels at #Hills of #Nepal, #Himalayas and adjoining Terai belt of #UttarPradesh as some of the material will bump into the hills and later move into China,” the platform noted on X.
The advisory also stated that while low chances of ashfall exist over the plains, the plume will slowly continue to drift over Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan, but there will be no impact on surface air quality.
Authorities, however, cautioned that flights may experience delays or changes in routes, and isolated ash particles could reach the ground in certain regions.
The IMD’s update provides relief as the plume is expected to move away by 7:30 pm, reducing immediate concerns for northern and western India.
Aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure passenger safety, while residents in affected areas have been advised to remain vigilant.
With Inputs: IANS