Ethiopia volcanic eruption LIVE: Ash plume has moved away from most parts of India, says IMD in its latest update

Ethiopia Volcanic Eruption Live Updates: As Delhi-NCR expects Ethiopia volcanic eruption ash plumes today, there are reports that the ash cloud from Hayli Gubbi volcano has safely moved away and dispersed into the upper atmosphere. According to the weather body, IndiaMetSky’s latest analysis, Ash plum has moved away from Northern India into China, and it will transit into the upper atmosphere, and finer dust will linger in the upper atmosphere for some days and move towards the Pacific along with the Subtropical Jetstream.

However, there is no official confirmation yet, and the DGCA advisory for airlines remains in place. Reports still suggest that the ash cloud will clear Delhi at 7:30 pm.

Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia’s Afar region

The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on Sunday for the first time in almost 12,000 years. It sent large ash clouds across the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman, and the cloud has now spread over the northern Arabian Sea.

A nearby village, Afdera, was covered in dust, and local media said there were mild tremors around Erta Ale and Afdera town. The volcano is located about 15 km from the active Erta Ale volcano.

Some parts of the ash plume are now moving over Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The eruption led to several flight cancellations on Monday, and authorities have issued advisories for airlines and airports in India due to possible disruptions.

DGCA Advisory

Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday issued an advisory to airlines and airports to deal with potential disruptions due to the ash plumes from the volcanic activity in Ethiopia. The ash cloud is not just dust — it contains volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and fine rock or glass particles, which can darken the sky. At the moment, the main concern is for airlines. These particles can damage aircraft engines, leading to flight delays and route changes, especially on high-altitude paths.

When will it reach India?

The ash is supposed to reach India by the evening and is supposed to be cleared by 7:30 pm.

Any health risks from the ash cloud

However, citizens should not panic in such a situation, as there will be negligible to no impact on AQI levels, reports added. The volcanic eruption is said to impact the S02 level in the hills of Nepal, the Himalayas, and adjoining UP’s Terai belt. The Ash plume mostly consists of Sulphur Dioxide with low to moderate concentrations of Volcanic Ash. According to a meteorological survey, there are low chances of ashfall over plains.

Also read: What exactly is Ethiopian volcano eruption? How it will impact India — Explained