First Volcanic Ash Alert in Pakistan Issued After Ethiopia Volcano Eruption
Pakistan has issued its first-ever volcanic ash alert after the long-inactive Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the ash cloud from this massive eruption was detected south of Pakistan’s coastline on Monday, marking a historic and rare development for the country.
Ash Detected Near Gwadar Coastline
A spokesperson for the Met Office confirmed that volcanic ash was observed around 60 nautical miles south of Gwadar, floating at an altitude of nearly 45,000 feet.
This is the first time in Pakistan’s history that an alert has been issued for volcanic ash originating from an international eruption.
Officials explained that the ash cloud continues to move across international air routes but currently poses no threat to the population.
Does the Volcanic Ash Pose a Risk to Pakistan?
Aviation expert Anjum Nazir Zaigham noted that the ash cloud’s altitude may affect high-flying aircraft.
- Domestic flights in Pakistan operate between 34,000-36,000 feet
- International flights usually fly between 40,000-45,000 feet
Because the ash is present at these higher levels, it can become a potential hazard for jet engines, which are highly sensitive to volcanic particles.
However, he confirmed that Karachi, Gwadar, and other cities are not at risk of pollution or harmful environmental effects. The ash remains far offshore and at very high altitude, making ground-level impact extremely unlikely.
Authorities assured that continuous monitoring is underway to ensure aviation safety.
Details of the Hayli Gubbi Volcano Eruption
International agencies, including AFP and the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), reported that Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted for several hours for the first time since the last Ice Age.
Key details include:
- The volcano is located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, near the Eritrean border
- Its eruption sent thick plumes of smoke rising up to 14 kilometers (9 miles) into the sky
- The ash cloud drifted over Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan
The volcano lies within the Rift Valley, a region known for active tectonic movements where two major plates meet.
A Rare Geological Event After 12,000 Years
According to the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program, Hayli Gubbi has no recorded eruptions in the entire Holocene era, which spans the last 12,000 years.
Volcanologist Simon Carn also confirmed that there is no historical evidence of any previous Holocene eruptions.
Videos circulating on social media show a massive column of white smoke rising into the sky, though AFP has not yet verified the footage. Authorities in the Afar region have also not released any reports regarding casualties or displacement.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s first-ever volcanic ash alert highlights how far-reaching and powerful international geological events can be. While the ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi eruption does not currently threaten the country’s population, its presence near Pakistan’s air routes has put aviation authorities on high alert. With continuous monitoring and safety checks underway, the situation remains stable – but it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity after thousands of years of silence.