New Delhi: India continued to keep a close watch on the volcanic ash cloud drifting from Ethiopia on Tuesday, even as meteorologists said the plume was slowly moving away from the country. The ash was released after the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted for the first time in thousands of years, sending a column of ash and gas high into the atmosphere.
The plume travelled across the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsula before reaching parts of western and northern India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and the Delhi region. While the cloud passed at high altitudes, it raised concerns in Delhi because the city is already struggling with very poor winter air quality.
Experts said the ash layer remained suspended far above the surface and was not expected to cause a major rise in pollution levels in Delhi. However, they noted that fine ash particles and sulphur based gases in the upper atmosphere can still worsen haze and cause discomfort for people with breathing problems.
Health specialists advised people with asthma, bronchitis and heart conditions to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity until the skies are clear. They also warned that children and older adults may be more sensitive to changes in air quality.
The eruption forced airlines to cancel or reroute several flights on Monday and Tuesday as a precaution. Air India, Akasa Air and other carriers adjusted routes to avoid airspace touched by the ash cloud. The aviation regulator asked airlines to conduct extra safety checks on aircraft operating near the affected region.
The India Meteorological Department said the cloud had started drifting eastward and was likely to move out of Indian skies by Tuesday evening. Weather agencies are now tracking its movement toward East Asia and the western Pacific.
Authorities said there was no immediate threat to daily life, but they would continue to watch the situation as Delhi enters a period of seasonal smog. For now, officials are relieved that the ash did not settle lower in the atmosphere, which could have caused a sharper decline in air quality.
The priority, experts said, is to keep monitoring the movement of the plume and ensure public health guidance reaches people who may be affected.