A volcano in northeast Ethiopia, the Hayli Gubbi, erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, generating a significant ash plume that reached approximately nine miles into the atmosphere. The eruption has led to disruptions in flight operations across multiple countries, with ash clouds affecting airspace in Yemen, Oman, India, and Pakistan. The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre reported the movement of this ash, prompting widespread cancellations and operational delays.
Global travel impact
In response to the ash cloud, Air India and Akasa Air announced the cancellation of several flights over the weekend. Air India reported that it halted 11 flights to conduct precautionary safety checks on aircraft that had flown through the ash-affected areas. Akasa Air also cancelled flights bound for Middle Eastern destinations, including Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi.
Officials at local airports indicated that only a small number of flights required rerouting and assured that all affected passengers were informed of the situation. The ash cloud is predicted to move towards China in the following days, with expectations that it will clear from Indian airspace soon. Earlier in the week, northern parts of India and Pakistan experienced ash fallout.
No casualties reported, but livestock at risk
As of now, Ethiopian officials have not reported any injuries or fatalities due to the eruption. However, livestock farmers in nearby communities face significant challenges as the ash has coated many villages, leaving their animals with limited access to food. Mohammed Seid, a local administrator, noted that while there have been no human casualties, the situation remains dire for livestock.
One local resident described the eruption as reminiscent of “a sudden bomb had been thrown,” illustrating the sudden and unexpected nature of the event.
A historic eruption
The Hayli Gubbi volcano is located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, an area known for its geological activity, including earthquakes. According to the Smithsonian Institution, this eruption is recorded as the first in approximately 12,000 years, a finding corroborated by volcanologist Sim Carn via social media.
Why It Matters
This volcanic eruption not only highlights the geological activity in the Afar region but also underscores the potential impact of such natural events on global travel and local communities, particularly in relation to livestock farming. As the situation develops, monitoring the ash cloud’s trajectory and managing its effects on air travel will be critical.
