Source The Indian Express
In a major relief for residents of North India gasping for breath amidst hazardous pollution levels, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has clarified that the massive ash plume from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano is unlikely to impact the ground-level Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The long-dormant volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, erupted on Sunday after nearly 10,000 years of silence, sending a high-altitude cloud of ash and sulphur dioxide (SO2) drifting across the Arabian Sea toward Western and Northern India.
While the visual of an ash cloud spanning continents has triggered panic, meteorologists have confirmed that the plume is travelling at a safe altitude for humans, though it continues to disrupt aviation.
IMD: “Ash Traveling Too High to Affect Surface Air”
According to the IMD, the volcanic ash and gas plume is moving at a height of approximately 10 to 15 kilometers (roughly 33,000 to 49,000 feet) above sea level. Because the cloud is restricted to the upper troposphere, it is not expected to mix with the surface air that citizens breathe.
“The ash plume is travelling at a very high altitude. While it may create a hazy appearance in the sky, it will not contribute to the surface-level Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) load in Delhi or worsen the existing AQI,” a senior IMD official stated.
The plume, driven by strong westerly winds, has already crossed over Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab and is currently tracking towards the Himalayas and China. It is expected to exit Indian airspace by Tuesday evening.
Local Impact: Haze Likely in Uttar Pradesh Terai Belt
While Delhi may remain unaffected, the “Terai” belt of Uttar Pradesh—which includes districts like Kushinagar (Padrauna), Gorakhpur, and Maharajganj—might witness a distinct atmospheric change.
Experts warn that while the ash won’t fall to the ground, the high concentration of Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) in the cloud could result in “acid rain” if it interacts with moisture in the hills of Nepal and the adjoining Terai foothills. For now, residents in Padrauna and Gorakhpur may observe a milky or hazy sky, distinct from the usual smog, as the tail end of the plume drifts eastward.
Aviation Sector Hit Hard
While the ground remains safe, the sky has become an obstacle course for airlines. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory to all airlines to avoid the affected airspace.
Flight Diversions: Several international flights flying from the Middle East and Europe to India have been rerouted to avoid the ash cloud, which can cause engine failure if ingested by aircraft turbines.
Cancellations: Airlines like IndiGo and Air India have proactively cancelled or rescheduled flights on affected routes to ensure passenger safety.
The “Sleeping Giant” Wakes Up
The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano is a geological event of historic proportions. Geologists note that the volcano had been dormant for the entirety of the Holocene era (approximately 12,000 years). The sudden explosion on November 23 ejected a column of ash 14 kilometers high, catching global monitoring agencies by surprise.
Live Status (as of 9:30 PM IST):
Plume Location: Moving over Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar towards China.
Delhi AQI Impact: Negligible.
Aviation Alert: Active; pilots warned of high-altitude SO2 clouds.
