Ethiopian Volcano Erupts, Puts India on Alert: What is an Ash Cloud, What are the Hazards & How You Should Prepare

After lying dormant for nearly 12,000 years, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region erupted on Sunday, November 23, 2025, sending a massive plume of smoke and ash as high as 14 kilometers (approximately 9 miles) into the sky. The eruption has prompted international concern, particularly in India, as the ash cloud drifts eastward.

Volcanic Ash Cloud: What Is It?

Volcanic ash is not the soft, fluffy material you might associate with a fireplace. Instead, it consists of tiny fragments of pulverized rock, mineral crystals, and volcanic glass, all measuring less than 2 millimeters (0.079 inches) in diameter. This material is formed during explosive volcanic eruptions when dissolved gases in magma expand rapidly and escape violently into the atmosphere. The force of these gases shatters the magma, propelling it high into the air where it solidifies into the fine particles we know as volcanic ash. Once airborne, volcanic ash can be transported thousands of kilometers by wind.

Hazards of Volcanic Ash Clouds

Volcanic ash poses numerous hazards, impacting aviation, human health, infrastructure and agriculture.

• Aviation: Volcanic ash is a major threat to aviation because it can reduce visibility, damage flight control systems, and cause jet engines to fail. The sharp, abrasive particles can quickly wear down propellers and turbocompressor blades, scratch cockpit windows, and contaminate fuel and water systems. Ash particles have low melting points and can melt in the engine's combustion chambers, creating a ceramic mass that sticks to turbine blades, fuel nozzles, and combustors, potentially leading to engine failure.

• Health: Ash particles smaller than 10 μm in diameter are inhalable and can cause respiratory discomfort, breathing difficulties, eye and skin irritation, and nose and throat symptoms. While most effects are short-term for healthy individuals, those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis are at higher risk.

• Infrastructure: Ashfall can cause minor to major damage to vehicles and buildings, contaminate water supplies, disrupt sewage and electrical systems, and damage or kill vegetation. The weight of ash can cause buildings to collapse, and it can clog waterways and machinery.

• Agriculture: Ashfall can cover pastureland, reducing livestock access to feed. The ash can also contaminate crops and water sources, impacting agricultural production.

How to Prepare for Volcanic Ashfall

While the path and intensity of ashfall are difficult to predict precisely, taking preparedness measures can significantly reduce its impact. Here's how to prepare:

• Emergency Kit: Prepare a kit with essential items such as dust masks (N95 or similar), eye protection (goggles), drinking water (at least 3 liters per person for 72 hours), non-perishable food, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, plastic wrap for electronics, and a first-aid kit.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local news, weather reports, and official announcements for updates and warnings. The Volcano Notification Service can provide up-to-date information about eruptions.
• Home Protection: Close doors and windows, and seal any gaps with damp towels or tape. Disconnect drainpipes from gutters to prevent clogging. If you use a rainwater collection system, disconnect it before ash falls.
• Personal Safety: If ashfall occurs, stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, goggles, and a dust mask. Avoid driving, as ash is hazardous to vehicles.
• Post-Ashfall: Check on neighbors and continue to protect yourself from ash. When cleaning, lightly water down ash deposits before shoveling and avoid dry brushing, which can create high dust exposure.

India on Alert

With the ash cloud from the Hayli Gubbi volcano drifting towards India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a safety advisory, urging airlines to avoid ash-affected areas. Akasa Air, IndiGo and KLM have already cancelled flights due to the disruption. Residents in affected areas should prepare for potential air quality issues and follow the guidelines outlined above to minimize the impact of the volcanic ash. According to India MetSky Weather, the ash cloud is expected to enter parts of western India and move across northern states. The meteorological service also warned that the ash could make the sky appear darker and hazier than usual.