ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Volcanic activity at Ethiopia's long-dormant Hayli Gubbi volcano decreased on Tuesday following an eruption over the weekend that significantly impacted nearby villages. The eruption led to extensive destruction, covering local areas in ash and prompting the cancellation of multiple flights as ash plumes disrupted high-altitude flight routes.
In the Afdera district of the Afar region, residents reported respiratory issues, with many coughing due to the pervasive ash. Livestock were also affected, as the ash covered grass and water sources, making them inaccessible. Local officials have taken action to address these health and environmental concerns.
As a precaution, airlines canceled dozens of flights scheduled to operate in the vicinity of the affected areas. Air India, the nation's flag carrier, canceled 11 flights between Monday and Tuesday to inspect aircraft potentially exposed to the volcanic ash, following guidance from India’s aviation safety regulator. Similarly, Akasa Air also suspended flights to Middle Eastern destinations, including Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi, over concerns related to the ash fallout.
International flight operations were disrupted at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, with at least seven flights canceled and a dozen delayed on Tuesday due to the volcanic activity's residual effects.
The health authorities in northern Ethiopia's Afdera district have activated mobile medical services to assist residents impacted by the eruption. Abedella Mussa, a local health official, confirmed that two medical teams were dispatched to the most affected neighborhoods, including Fia and Nemma-Gubi, to provide necessary medical care.
Nuur Mussa, the official responsible for livestock in the Afdera district, reported that animals were struggling to find clean water and food due to the volcanic ash covering these essential resources. He emphasized the impact on livestock in the affected kebeles, where many animals were unable to sustain themselves because of the ash.
Geologist Atalay Ayele from Addis Ababa University highlighted that the eruption was noteworthy, being the first recorded instance in 10,000 years. He indicated that such volcanic activity is common in Ethiopia due to its location along an active rift system characterized by frequent volcanism and seismic activity. Ayele suggested that the eruption would likely taper off for a brief period before potentially recurring in the future.
The ash cloud resultant from the eruption was moving towards China, with expectations that it would clear from Indian skies by 1400 GMT on Tuesday. The Indian Meteorological Department noted that high-level winds carried the ash cloud across the Red Sea, Yemen, Oman, the Arabian Sea, and towards western and northern parts of India.
This volcanic eruption serves as a reminder of the geological activity present in the region and its direct impact on local communities and international air travel. With ongoing assessments, local and international authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely.
