The air quality crisis in Delhi NCR has taken a new turn with the arrival of an unexpected visitor: ash clouds from the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia. This has raised significant health concerns for residents already grappling with severe pollution for over a month.
The Journey of the Volcanic Ash
A volcano in northern Ethiopia erupted for the first time in nearly 10,000 years, spewing massive columns of ash high into the atmosphere. Meteorological departments worldwide tracked the event as fast, upper-level winds carried the debris thousands of kilometres. The ash mass first entered India through Gujarat on Monday before spreading overnight to regions including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, and Punjab.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) explained that the plume was carried by high-altitude wind currents from Ethiopia across the Red Sea to Yemen and Oman, eventually drifting over the Arabian Sea into western and northern India. The ashes from the plume rose as high as 14 kilometres. The cloud, which briefly disrupted flights over northwest India, has since begun shifting towards China.
Health Impacts of Volcanic Ash
According to the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN), inhaling volcanic ash can lead to a range of health issues. Unlike typical ash from fires, volcanic ash is a mixture of fine rock, mineral, and glass particles expelled during an eruption. These particles are less than 2 mm in diameter, allowing them to travel vast distances and pose health risks when inhaled.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that most health effects are short-term but can be severe. Key symptoms include:
- Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
- Sore throat and dry coughing
- Difficulty breathing and dizziness
- Headaches and visual disturbances
Long-term exposure can lead to more serious conditions like bronchitis, lung infections, and even lung cancer. People with asthma, children, infants, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions are particularly vulnerable.
How to Protect Yourself from Ash Exposure
With the ash plume affecting the region, taking precautions is crucial. The CDC recommends the following protective measures:
- Stay indoors and keep all doors and windows closed to minimize exposure.
- If you must go outside, use a NIOSH Approved N95 respirator to protect your lungs.
- Wear glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from irritation.
- Carry necessary medications and wear long-sleeved shirts and full pants to protect your skin.
Monitoring air quality updates and adhering to health advisories from official sources remains essential during this period.
