Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA (EI): A “sudden and unusual” volcanic eruption occurred in Ethiopia’s northeastern Afar region, generating a “huge cloud of smoke,” local state media has reported.
The “massive volcanic eruption” took place around Erta Ale volcanic area, which is an active volcano with an active lava lake in the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia’s Afar region, around midday on Sunday. The eruption was followed by a “large amount of black smoke that plunged the area into semi-darkness,” regional state-run Afar Mass Media Agency reported quoting local authorities and residents.
Highlighting that there were no human casualties as a result of the sudden volcanic eruption, the regional media reported that the smoke from the volcanic eruption covered the surrounding area and nearby villages on Sunday, while the “intense explosion” triggered tremors felt in towns and cities far from the eruption site.
The Geophysics, Space Science, and Astronomy Institute at Addis Ababa University said the incident, which is “one of the strongest volcanic eruptions” in the region, occurred approximately 10km south of Erta Ale.
The institute indicated that the “large-scale” eruption was triggered by the discharge of actively melting volcanic rocks. It said a team of geophysicists has been dispatched to the area for further study and investigation, according to state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate.
By Monday morning, the smoke emitted by the explosion had transformed into white ash-like clouds, as the intensity of the explosion decreased.
Local residents highlighted that “the magnitude of the explosion and its overwhelming sound were more shocking than anything previously experienced,” instilling fear among local inhabitants.
Experts and local authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions due to the substantial amounts of smoke and ash being released into the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the Afar Mass Media Agency reported that the unusual volcanic eruption has attracted the attention of tourists, establishing a new tourist destination in the Erta Ale volcanic area, which is already one of Ethiopia’s major attractions.
(Photo – accessed from the regional state-run Afar Mass Media Agency’s Facebook page – shows a huge cloud of smoke as a result of the sudden, unusual volcanic eruption that stroked northeastern Ethiopia.)
