Multiple volcanic eruptions reported near Erta Ale crater in Ethiopia
Visible ash plumes have been reported in the area, with regional officials saying the volcanic activity began on Tuesday and has continued into the week, prompting close monitoring of the sites.
Volcanic eruptions have been reported in Ethiopia's Afar region, with activity recorded in four separate locations near the Erta Ale crater since Tuesday, local media have confirmed.
According to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), the eruptions occurred within a 15-kilometre radius of the main Erta Ale crater, one of the country's most active volcanic sites.
Visible ash plumes have been reported in the area, which, according to regional officials, began on Tuesday and has continued into the week, prompting close monitoring of the sites.
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The Afar Regional Tourism Bureau has confirmed the eruptions, stating that no casualties or damage to nearby communities have been reported.
"Erta Ale volcano erupted again yesterday, July 15 and today, July 16, 2025. The eruptions that occurred in four places are producing thick smoke and are sinking to the ground," said the Bureau in a Facebook statement.
"The eruption, which covered a total of 15 km, did not cause any harm to tourists in the area. Meanwhile, a similar eruption occurred in the area eight years ago."
Recent observations from the Global Volcanism Program indicate that eruptive activity at Erta Ale began as early as July 1. Satellite imagery, captured on multiple dates, showed small thermal anomalies at the northern and southern pit craters.
"Eruptive activity at Erta Ale continued during July based on satellite data and field observations. Small thermal anomalies at both the N and S pit craters were visible in periodic satellite image views on 1, 6, 8, and 11 July," said the Volcanism Program on its official website.
On July 15, a local observer filmed a dense black plume believed to have resulted from the collapse of a crust layer over a lava lake.
"A dense black plume rising from an unstated area was filmed by a local observer and was thought to have originated from a collapse of a portion of crust covering a lava lake."
Plumes were still visible on July 16, and images circulated on social media confirmed the scale and intensity of the activity.
According to Tourism Bureau Market Development Director Abdu Ahmed, the eruptions have sparked increased foreign tourist activities in the area.
"Tourists currently in the area are observing the eruptions with awe and fascination. It is a rare opportunity to witness such geological events up close," he said in a statement.
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