Addis Ababa: A rarely active volcano in northeastern Ethiopia has erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending a large plume of ash high into the sky and triggering aviation warnings across several regions.

The eruption began on Sunday at the Hayli Gubbi volcano in the Afar region, a remote desert area near the Eritrean border. Scientists estimate that the ash column rose more than ten kilometres into the atmosphere before drifting eastward over the Red Sea toward Yemen and Oman.

Local officials said there were no reports of human or livestock casualties. However, ash has settled across nearby villages, affecting grazing land and raising concerns for communities that depend on livestock.

Aviation authorities in Africa, the Middle East and India have issued alerts following the spread of volcanic ash.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation asked airlines to avoid routes that cross the affected region, warning that volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines and reduce visibility. Some international flights were diverted, including services headed to Abu Dhabi and other Gulf destinations.

Volcanic ash advisory centres continue to track the movement of the ash cloud as changes in wind direction may affect additional flight paths. Monitoring teams are also assessing the strength of the eruption and the possibility of further activity.

Authorities in Ethiopia and neighbouring countries are advising residents and travellers to stay updated as the situation develops.