A volcanic eruption at Erta Ale in Ethiopia's Afar region, the first in 10,000 years, has disrupted Indian airspace. The ash plume has forced multiple flight diversions and raises health concerns. Global monitoring confirms its unusual intensity.
The Erta Ale volcano in north-eastern Ethiopia's Afar region erupted for the first time in 10,000 years, according to monitoring data. This event began on Thursday (Hidar 14, 2018 E.C.), producing an ash plume that rose to 13.7 km high and generated intense sonic booms 8 km away in Kilbet Rasu zone, Afdera woreda.
Global volcanic monitoring agencies have recorded this eruption, noting no similar activity in over 12,000 years. The ash cloud spread across multiple countries, blanketing Indian skies and prompting diversions by Air India and Akasa Air flights. Over two days from Monday to Tuesday, 11 flights to Middle Eastern destinations like Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi were rerouted.
India's Civil Aviation Ministry stated that only a few flights were safely diverted, with advisories issued to all aircraft. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported the ash affecting Pakistan and northern India before drifting toward China, expected to exit Indian airspace on Tuesday, Hidar 16, 2018 E.C.
The Afar regional government communication office described the eruption as having "unprecedented intensity in volume and sonic disturbance," with the boom heard in areas around Djibouti, Tigray, and Wollo. The Afar Health Bureau warned of potential respiratory issues from the ash, advising people to cover their nose and mouth, especially those with asthma, bronchitis, or related conditions. Medical teams have been dispatched to the area, as confirmed by bureau head Yasin Habib.