When will volcanic ash clouds dissipate over India, and which cities will be affected? IMD has revealed.

Following a volcanic eruption in Ethiopia that had been dormant for nearly 10,000 years, a plume of ash and smoke rose 14 kilometers into the sky. It crossed the Red Sea, first reaching Yemen and Oman, and then entering India. It was visible in the skies over Delhi-NCR on Tuesday.

The Meteorological Department is continuously tracking the ash cloud and providing necessary advice. This ash cloud was seen passing through the skies of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana, and is now moving through the Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh towards the Himalayas.

It will leave the country on Tuesday evening.

This ash cloud is moving at a speed of 100-120 kilometers per hour in North India at an altitude of 15,000 feet and can reach up to 45,000 feet. This cloud contains ash, sulfur dioxide, and fine rock particles.

According to the Meteorological Department's Director General, Mrityunjay Mahapatra, the ash cloud is moving towards China and is expected to leave India by 7:30 pm local time on Tuesday. Following the impact of the ash cloud, Akasa Air cancelled flights to and from Jeddah, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi on November 24 and 25.

A number of Air India and IndiGo flights have also been cancelled. The DGCA has issued an advisory for airlines in this regard. The IMD is closely monitoring satellite imagery and advice from volcanic ash advisory centers and dispersion models.