Ethiopian Volcano Erupts After 12,000 years; Ash Clouds Head to Middle East, South Asia

Manama: Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted, sending massive ash plumes up to 14 km into the atmosphere and drifting eastward toward the Red Sea, the Middle East, Pakistan and India. According to the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program, Hayli Gubbi, which stands around 1,500 ft tall, has no recorded eruptions during the Holocene period, which began roughly 12,000 years ago.

Though no casualties have been reported in Ethiopia, the eruption is expected to have severe implications on the economy, as livestock-herding communities are affected. In ash-covered villages, animals are struggling to find food.

The volcanic eruption has global impacts too. Volcanic ash has disrupted air travel between India and GCC countries. Air India has cancelled at least 11 flights, while Air Arabia has also called off several services. Dubai-based carriers Emirates and Flydubai confirmed on Tuesday that their operations were running as normal. Etihad stated that it would continue to closely monitor the situation.

On Monday, Oman reported volcanic ash over the Empty Quarter and Arabian Sea at 35,000 feet with no significant impact, while Saudi Arabia noted no increase in pollution levels following the eruption. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the ash clouds were expected to clear India by 7:30 pm IST on Tuesday and drift toward China.

(Image for representational purposes only)