MUSCAT – Forecasters say a light veil of smoke is likely to extend over the Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates during the late-night and early-morning hours.

The ash cloud was produced by the Hayli Gubbi volcano, which erupted on Sunday, November 23, for the first time in an estimated 10,000 years. The eruption, described as highly explosive, sent ash shooting to 45,000 feet, creating a large plume that has since drifted eastward toward neighbouring countries.

According to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Center, the eruption began around 8:30 a.m. UTC and continued for several hours before subsiding by late afternoon. The volcano is located in northeastern Ethiopia’s Afar Rift, southeast of the Erta Ale volcanic range, an area known for its high geological activity.