Ash cloud from Ethiopia’s volcano expected to reach North India by 10 pm

NEW DELHI: An ash cloud from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano is expected to enter parts of western India this evening and move across several northern states, according to IndiaMetSky Weather.

“Ash cloud is about to enter Gujarat (West side) and move towards Rajasthan, northwest Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab by 10 pm, and later it will impact the Himalayas and other regions,” the meteorological service said.

The ash plume, which was sent up into the atmosphere during the volcano’s eruption, is moving at a speed of 100-120 km/h toward North India. It is travelling at altitudes between 15,000-25,000 feet up to 45,000 feet and contains volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide, and small particles of glass and rock.

IndiaMetSky Weather warned that the ash could make the sky appear darker and hazier than usual and may disrupt air traffic, causing delays and longer travel times.

“Ash cloud moving towards North India. A large ash plume can be seen stretching from #HayliGubbi Volcano region upto #Gujarat. The eruption has stopped ever since the eruption, but this Ash plume has been sent up into the atmosphere, which is moving at a speed of 100-120km/h toward North India,” the statement said. phenomenon.

“This is between 15-25,000 upto 45,000 feet up in the sky and contains mostly Volcanic Ash, Sulphur dioxide and some small particles of glass/rock which will make the sky appear darker and impact Air traffic and air route which will bring delays and longer travel. •The Ash cloud is about to enter #Gujarat (West side) and move towards #Rajasthan NW #Maharashtra, #Delhi, #Haryana and #Punjab by 10 pm and later it will impact the Himalayas and other regions. •It will make the sky appear darker and hazier than usual and people may send us pics of the sky if possible,” it added.

According to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), the explosive eruption began around 8:30 am UTC on Sunday and marks the first activity from the nearly 10,000-year-dormant volcano. Authorities and airlines continue to track the ash cloud closely to ensure safe air travel.

The Toulouse VAAC said the eruption has now stopped, but a “large ash plume is moving toward northern India,” prompting meteorological agencies to closely monitor its trajectory. The volcano, situated in Ethiopia’s Erta Ale Range, last erupted around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

Sunday’s sudden activity sent towering ash clouds sweeping across the Red Sea toward Oman and Yemen before shifting eastwards, Al Arabiya reported.

Following the eruption, volcanic ash activity has been reported over parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Airlines issued cautionary notices for passengers flying through the Middle East, though no advisories have been connected to the ash drift toward India. (ANI)