Volcanic Eruption In Ethiopia: Will Delhi’s Air Pollution Get Even Worse? Safety Tips to Protect Your Lungs
Volcanic Eruption In Ethiopia: Will Delhi’s Air Pollution Get Even Worse? Safety Tips to Protect Your Lungs
The Ethiopian volcanic eruption may impact Delhi's air quality. Learn what experts say about rising pollution levels and discover essential safety tips to protect your lungs during poor AQI days.
Written By: Mishika Gupta | Published : November 25, 2025 11:29 AM IST
Delhi was already dealing with extreme air pollution but now a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia has raised concerns. According to the reports, a plume of ashes from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano has drifted towards north-west India, including Delhi NCR. According to exports, the ashes are now flowing in the air very high, between 15,040 and 5000 feet or above 10 km, which means their impact on the surface-level air quality is likely limited. This can be really concerning for people living in Delhi, as the air is already toxic and hard to breathe, but the volcanic eruption ashes could make it worse.
What Is Delhi's Situation According To Experts?
The IMD director, General M. Mohapatra, said the plume is approaching Delhi NCR," any significant impact is unlikely" on the ground level pollution, because the ash remains at a very high altitude.
He added the ash cloud" will appear as a hill, cloudy sky, it an impact expected for a few hours" as it moves eastwards.
Meteorologists and amateur weather analysts, note the plume contains volcanic ashes, sulphur dioxide, and small glass or rock particles.
The plume is travelling fast around hundred 200 km/h, according to the reports.
Interestingly, IMD also wants a slight rise in nighttime or minimum temperature, because the ash cloud can act like a typical cloud layer, trapping heat.
Will Volcanic Ash Affect Delhi's Air?
According to the reports, current AQI in Delhi is already on a very poor pace, even before considering any lash impact.
Reports from IMD suggest that people of Delhi can experience major ground level pollution spike, but it would be temporary as the ash mixes with local smoke.
Expert suggested that effects of the volcanic ashes will be limited and visible for few hours, but it's not a long-term pollution crisis.
How volcanic Ash Can Affect Your Health
Even if the ashes stay above in the sky, some fine particles can come on the ground level and mix with the existing air pollution.
The particles like ash, sulphur dioxide can cause irritation in lung, throat, and eyes.
Sensitive groups like children, the elderly, asthma, or COPD patient can be severely impacted by this.
These are also dangerous for environment as they could damage engines or reduce visibility.
How To Protect Lungs During Pollution
It's really important to protect your lungs from this dangerous air pollution
wear N95 or N99 mask outdoors These are more effective, then regular mask at filtering fine ashes.
Avoid unnecessary Outing during peak pollution hours: avoid exercising in the morning or late evening when air is already bad.
Keep your doors and window closed: Use AC on recirculation mode or keep an air purifier at your home to avoid letting in outdoor air.
Hydrate well: Herbal teas, warm water can help you clear out your lungs.
Steam inhalation: Taking steam regularly can remove small particles stuck in your coughing and nasal passage
Eating healthy food: Start to have food like ginger, turmeric, Tulsi, citrus fruits, and honey that support respiratory health.
Keep medicines ready: If you are asthma, patient or have chronic lung diseases, make sure you in healer or doctor prescribed medicines.
In short terms, panic may not be justified, according to the reports, Ash Plume is high enough to limit its surface impact. However, the increasing haze, slight increase in temperature and possible mixing with existing politics. Good make things a bit worse for people who are already very vulnerable.
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