Ethiopia’s Long-Dormant Volcano Erupts, Ash Plume Reaches Pakistan

By International News Desk

A volcano in Ethiopia has erupted for the first time in 12,000 years, sending massive ash clouds thousands of kilometres across the region and prompting Pakistan to issue a rare aviation alert.

According to the Ethiopia Geological Survey, the Heli Gubi volcano—located around 800 kilometres from Addis Ababa in the Afar region—erupted violently, spewing ash up to 46,000 feet into the atmosphere. The ash plume has since drifted over Yemen, Oman, India and reached as far as northern Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed that volcanic ash was detected nearly 60 nautical miles south of Gwadar. PMD spokesperson Anjum Nazir stated that it was the first time Pakistan issued an alert concerning volcanic ash.

He added that the ash cloud was observed at around 45,000 feet, a height that overlaps with international flight routes. Domestic flights in Pakistan usually operate between 34,000 and 36,000 feet, while international aircraft cruise between 40,000 and 45,000 feet—altitudes where volcanic particles pose a serious threat to aircraft engines.

Aviation authorities across the region are assessing potential risks, as volcanic ash can cause engine failure, visibility reduction and serious operational hazards for commercial flights.

Despite the scale of the eruption, Ethiopian authorities have not reported any casualties or evacuations so far.

Further updates are expected as meteorological and aviation agencies monitor the movement of the ash cloud across international air routes.