Toulouse, Nov. 24 -- A massive ash cloud from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano has begun drifting toward northern India after the long-silent volcano erupted for the first time in nearly 10,000 years, according to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC).

The explosive eruption began around 8.30 am UTC on Sunday, said the Toulouse VAAC advisory.

The Toulouse VAAC said the eruption has now stopped, but a "large ash plume is moving toward northern India," prompting meteorological agencies to closely monitor its trajectory.

The volcano, situated in Ethiopia's Erta Ale Range, last erupted around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. Sunday's sudden activity sent towering ash clouds sweeping across the Red Sea toward Oman and Yemen before shift...