Ethiopian volcano erupts after 12,000 years — ash drifts as far as Pakistan

After lying silent for nearly 12,000 years, a volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region has erupted dramatically, sending a towering plume of ash high into the atmosphere and surprising both locals and global monitoring agencies. The volcano—identified as Hayli Gubbi by geological surveys—had no recorded eruptions in modern history. Its sudden awakening has triggered regional alerts, international flight advisories, and widespread concern over the long-term impacts of volcanic ash on aviation and the environment.

The eruption released a vast column of ash that rose up to 14 kilometers into the sky, high enough to reach commercial aviation routes. Satellite tracking showed the ash cloud drifting across the Red Sea, passing over Yemen and Oman, and eventually spreading toward South Asia. Within days, meteorological reports confirmed that traces of the ash cloud had reached Pakistan’s northern and coastal airspace, prompting aviation authorities to monitor the skies closely.


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A Rare Eruption in Afar: Local Effects and Early Damage

The Afar region of Ethiopia is one of the most volcanically active landscapes on Earth, home to faults, fissures, lava fields, and salt lakes. Yet Hayli Gubbi had been dormant long before human civilization in the region was established. Its unexpected eruption caught nearby communities off guard.

Villages surrounding the volcano were coated in a grey layer of fine ash. Farmers reported damage to grazing lands, which are sensitive to chemical changes caused by volcanic particles. Livestock were affected as ash settled on grass, food sources, and water supplies, raising concerns of contamination. Roads and visibility in the area were also reduced, making emergency response more challenging. Fortunately, early reports confirmed that no deaths occurred, though economic losses are already significant.

Local health authorities also advised residents to wear masks, as volcanic ash can irritate the eyes, throat, and respiratory system. Inhalation of ash is particularly risky for children, the elderly, and people with asthma.


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Ash Crosses Borders: Impact on Pakistan and South Asia

As the ash cloud traveled eastward, questions arose about its potential impact on countries thousands of kilometers away. Pakistan’s meteorological authorities confirmed that while ash had reached upper layers of the atmosphere over northern and coastal regions, ground-level effects were minimal.

This means:

No ash rain

No health emergency

No direct contamination of water or soil


However, aviation over Pakistan and neighboring regions remained alert. Even small concentrations of ash at cruising altitudes can force airlines to reroute or cancel flights. Some international flights between Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia were temporarily suspended or diverted.

India, Oman, and Gulf-region airlines also made precautionary cancellations as satellite images showed the ash cloud drifting unpredictably.


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Why Volcanic Ash Is a Serious Threat to Jet Engines

While ash on the ground may seem harmless, ash in the sky is one of the greatest natural hazards to modern aviation. Volcanic ash is not soft dust—it is made of pulverized rock, shards of volcanic glass, and tiny minerals.

When a jet engine flies through an ash cloud, several dangerous things happen:

1. Melting and Re-Solidifying

Jet engines operate at extremely high temperatures—over 1,400°C inside some parts.

Volcanic ash melts inside these hot components and then re-solidifies into glass on cooler engine surfaces. Over a short time, this glassy layer can clog vital parts and block airflow.

2. Engine Flameout

The melted ash disrupts the airflow through the turbine, which can cause:

loss of thrust

surging

complete engine shutdown


Several aircraft in history have temporarily lost all engines after flying through volcanic ash clouds.

3. Blade Erosion

The sharp ash particles grind and sandblast the compressor and turbine blades. This reduces engine efficiency and can cause long-term mechanical damage.

4. Cockpit and Sensor Damage

Ash can:

scratch and cloud cockpit windows

block pitot tubes (airspeed sensors)

contaminate fuel and ventilation systems


Even a short, accidental entry into an ash cloud forces expensive inspections and repairs.

For these reasons, aviation authorities worldwide follow a strict rule:
If ash is present at flight altitude, avoid the region completely.


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Broader Risks and Long-Term Concerns

Beyond aviation, volcanic eruptions have multiple disadvantages:

Health effects: respiratory irritation, asthma flare-ups

Agricultural loss: ash damages crops and soil chemistry

Livestock impact: contaminated grazing areas

Water contamination: ash can affect surface water sources

Economic losses: cancelled flights, tourism shutdowns, damage to infrastructure

Climate impact (depending on scale): some eruptions inject sulfur into the stratosphere, temporarily cooling the atmosphere


At this stage, the Hayli Gubbi eruption is significant but not yet large enough to alter global climate patterns. Authorities are continuing to monitor gas output and ash dispersal.


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Conclusion

The eruption of Ethiopia’s long-silent Hayli Gubbi volcano is a rare geological event with far-reaching consequences. From local communities struggling with ash-covered villages to airlines across Asia and the Middle East adjusting flight paths, the effects of this eruption stretch across continents.

While Pakistan faces minimal ground-level impact, the presence of volcanic ash in the upper atmosphere reminds us of how interconnected our world is—and how a single volcanic event can disrupt travel, health, agriculture, and economic stability thousands of kilometers away.