Volcanic Plume Hits Delhi, North India After Eruption in Ethiopia (Representative Image : X/ @posted_news)
A long-inactive volcano named Hayli Gubbi erupted on Tuesday, sending a massive ash plume high into the sky and across several countries. The volcanic ash first travelled over the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman before entering India late Monday night. The plume reached Delhi at around 11 pm.
Weather agencies have been monitoring the path of the ash, which is expected to affect several regions including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, Punjab and Haryana. According to IndiaMetSky Weather, the plume will later move toward the Himalayas and the neighbouring Terai region in Uttar Pradesh. The cloud is carrying sulphur dioxide, volcanic ash and fine rock dust.
The ash plume is currently moving at speeds of 100-120 km/h over northern India. It is hovering at altitudes between 15,000 and 25,000 feet, and in some places has been detected as high as 45,000 feet.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra confirmed that the volcanic plume is shifting towards China. He added that the cloud is expected to clear Indian airspace by 14:00 GMT (7:30 pm local time) on Tuesday.
In an earlier advisory, the IMD noted that the volcanic eruption in Ethiopia’s Afar region sent ash up to around 45,000 feet. According to IMD, “High-level winds carried the ash cloud from Ethiopia across the Red Sea to Yemen and Oman and further over the Arabian Sea towards western and northern India.”
The IMD continues to track the situation using satellite images, data from Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres and atmospheric dispersion models. Based on DGCA guidelines issued to airlines due to possible disruptions, Met Watch offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata remain on high alert.
The volcanic ash has begun affecting international flight operations. According to Reuters, Akasa Air has cancelled flights scheduled for November 24 and 25 on routes connecting India to Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi.
