Microsoft Azure Disrupted by Urgent Undersea Cable Damage

URGENT UPDATE: Microsoft Azure’s cloud services are currently facing severe disruptions due to damage to undersea cables in the Red Sea, impacting users across multiple regions. As of September 9, 2025, Internet traffic in the Middle East has been significantly affected, causing delays for businesses and individuals reliant on cloud computing.

Officials from Microsoft have confirmed that although the exact cause of the cable damage remains unspecified, traffic is being rerouted through alternative pathways to minimize disruptions. This urgent move aims to reduce latency for users as the company addresses the ongoing issues.

Reports indicate that the damage has not only disrupted services in the United Arab Emirates but has also extended its impact to countries such as India and Pakistan. NetBlocks, an organization dedicated to monitoring Internet access, has verified the interruptions, highlighting the critical role that subsea cables play in global data transmission.

“Internet services in several Asian countries are experiencing degradation due to the severed cables,”

said a representative from NetBlocks.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Company has issued warnings to its customers about potential service degradation during peak hours, citing incidents near the Saudi city of Jeddah as a contributing factor. Subsea cables are known to be vulnerable to damage from various sources, including ship anchors and intentional sabotage.

This incident echoes a similar disruption from February 2024, when multiple communication cables in the Red Sea were severed, severely impacting Internet connectivity between Asia and Europe. At that time, suspicions arose regarding possible sabotage by the Iran-backed Houthi movement, although the group denied any involvement.

Microsoft has reassured its users that network connectivity remains mostly intact, with rerouted traffic expected to cause only minimal delays. However, the company has acknowledged that users may still experience increased latency as the situation unfolds.

As the situation develops, Microsoft’s response will be crucial for restoring services and maintaining connectivity for millions. Users are advised to remain vigilant and prepare for possible ongoing service interruptions as repairs to the damaged infrastructure are organized.

For those affected by these disruptions, the immediate impact is clear: businesses relying on cloud services may face operational challenges, and individuals could experience delays in accessing vital online services. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves.