The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PDM) has issued an unusual warning after volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano moved into Pakistani airspace, possibly affecting flight safety.
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, situated in Ethiopia’s Afar region about 800 KM northeast of Addis Abada near the Eritrean border, burst for several hours. This happened for the first time in the last 12000 years.
The volcano, standing about 500 metres high, is located in the Rift Valley — an area known for strong geological activity where two tectonic plates meet.
The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) said the eruption shot thick smoke plumes up to 14 kilometres into the sky. It added that the ash clouds have drifted over Yemen, Oman, India, and Southwestern Pakistan.
PDM official Anjum Nazir Zaigham said while speaking to the private media channel that volcanic ash was identified 69.05 miles of southwest of Gwadar at 45,000 feet.
“The Met Office has issued two advisories/warnings. Domestic flights fly at 34,000-36,000 feet, while international flights may be affected at 40,000-45,000 feet as engines are also impacted by volcanic ash,” he said.
“This is the first time in history that the Met Office has issued an alert regarding volcanic ash,” Zaigham added. He also confirmed that PDM had been observing the movement of volcanic ash since last night.
On the question of whether the ash can affect Karachi, Zaigham responded, “Yes, but at very high altitudes. It will remain high above in the sky and not have an impact on the land below.”
