Ethiopian Volcano Eruption Disrupts Villages and Leads to Flight Cancellations

The recent eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has caused widespread disruption, affecting local villages and leading to numerous flight cancellations due to ash clouds. Airlines have grounded flights as safety measures are implemented.

Volcanic activity from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano, which erupted over the weekend, has decreased. The eruption caused significant damage in nearby villages and led to flight cancellations due to ash clouds disrupting air travel. Villages in Afdera district, Afar region, were blanketed with ash, affecting residents and livestock. Officials reported that locals were experiencing respiratory issues due to the ash.

Airlines had to cancel numerous flights as the ash clouds affected high-altitude flight paths. India's national airline, Air India, cancelled 11 flights, primarily international ones, on Monday and Tuesday. This decision followed a directive from India's aviation safety regulator to inspect aircraft that might have flown over the affected areas. Akasa Air also cancelled flights to Middle Eastern destinations like Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi over the past two days.

Impact on Flights and Local Communities

At New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, at least seven international flights were cancelled on Tuesday. Additionally, around a dozen flights faced delays. An official from the airport confirmed these disruptions. Meanwhile, in Ethiopia's Afdera district, health officials launched mobile medical services to assist affected residents. Abedella Mussa, a health official in the area, stated that two medical teams were sent to impacted neighbourhoods such as Fia and Nemma-Gubi.

Nuur Mussa, responsible for livestock in the region, highlighted the challenges faced by animals in finding clean water and grass due to ash coverage. "Many animals, especially in the two affected kebeles, cannot drink clean water or feed on grass because it is covered by volcanic ash," he said.

Geological Insights and Weather Forecast

Geologist Atalay Ayele from Addis Ababa University explained that Ethiopia's location along an active rift system makes it prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. "This is the first recorded eruption of Hayli Gubbi in the last 10,000 years," he told the AP. "It will likely continue for a short period and then stop until the next cycle."

The India Meteorological Department reported that high-level winds carried the ash cloud across several regions including the Red Sea, Yemen, Oman, and towards western and northern India. The ash cloud is expected to clear Indian skies by 1400 GMT Tuesday.

The eruption of Hayli Gubbi has drawn attention due to its rarity and impact on both local communities and international travel. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, efforts are underway to provide relief to affected residents and ensure safe air travel.

With inputs from PTI