Ancient Afar Volcano in Ethiopia Erupts, Ash Travels Thousands of Kilometers

A long-dormant volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region has erupted for the first time in almost 12,000 years, producing towering clouds of ash and smoke that have reached nearly 14 kilometers into the atmosphere. The eruption has sent volcanic ash drifting across vast distances, impacting countries far beyond Ethiopia’s borders, including Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan. Although southern Pakistan, including major cities such as Karachi, is expected to face minimal direct impact, authorities are closely monitoring the situation for potential disruptions to air travel, public health concerns related to air quality, and regional safety risks.

Volcanologists are closely observing the volcano’s activity to understand the behavior of this ancient geological formation after millennia of inactivity. The eruption offers scientists a rare opportunity to study the composition of volcanic ash, the dynamics of high-altitude ash clouds, and their potential effects on climate and the environment. Local communities in the Afar region are being advised to take precautionary measures against falling ash, which can damage crops, contaminate water sources, and pose health risks, especially for people with respiratory conditions. Emergency services and meteorological departments are coordinating to track ash movement and provide timely updates to affected regions.

This eruption underscores the unpredictable nature of dormant volcanoes and highlights the importance of continuous monitoring to mitigate hazards associated with rare but potentially significant volcanic events.