So you’ve probably seen the news — a volcano all the way in Ethiopia erupted, and somehow the ash has travelled thousands of kilometres to show up above Delhi-NCR. Sounds dramatic, right? Let’s break it down calmly and understand what’s really going on and how it may affect our health.On 24–25 November 2025, a volcano called Hayli Gubbi in Ethiopia suddenly woke up from its long nap and threw a whole lot of volcanic ash, sulphur dioxide gas, and super tiny bits of rock and glass high into the sky. Winds pushed this ash cloud across the Red Sea, then the Arabian Sea, and it eventually drifted toward northwest India — including the Delhi-NCR region.
Now before you panic… this ash is mostly floating way up high in the atmosphere. But still, it’s good to know what it can do and how to stay safe.
What is volcanic ash?
Volcanic ash is not the same as soft ash from a fire; it consists of tiny, hard, gritty particles of rock, minerals, and volcanic glass. These particles are abrasive, sometimes corrosive, and unpleasant. They can range from being barely visible to the naked eye to large enough to scratch surfaces, including the eyes or sensitive skin. Ash can also contain crystalline silica—a substance that, if inhaled over time, is known to cause a serious lung disease called silicosis.
How does it affect our health?
According to the CDC, short-term exposure can cause:
- Coughing or trouble breathing
- Sore throat
- Itchy, red eyes
- Headaches or tiredness
- A little nausea if you breathe in a lot
People with asthma, bronchitis, or other breathing issues might feel these symptoms more strongly.If someone is exposed for a long time and to heavy ashfall (like near a volcano — not what’s happening here!), it can lead to serious lung problems later.
Protecting Yourself
To minimise your risk:
- Stay indoors as much as possible, keeping doors and windows closed.
- Use a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator if venturing outside is unavoidable.
- Avoid using air-conditioning units that draw air from outside.
- Clear ash away from entrances and ventilation systems.
- Wash any ash from skin and eyes with clean water, and seek medical care if irritation persists.
While not everyone exposed to volcanic ash will develop serious health problems, the potential for eye, skin, and especially respiratory issues is significant. Taking the right precautions, as guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other authorities, can make a crucial difference in protecting your health during and after a volcanic eruption. In light of the recent drift of the Ethiopian ash plume toward India, it’s wise to stay alert, prepare, and protect.