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Fiery Eruption: Colombia's Mud Volcano Spews Flames
27 Feb
Summary
- A mud volcano exploded, shooting flames high into the sky.
- Residents and onlookers were evacuated for safety reasons.
- The eruption suspended the city's drinking water supply.
A mud volcano on Colombia's northern coast erupted dramatically on February 25th, spewing flames high into the atmosphere and leading to local evacuations. The event, occurring in the community of San Juan de Urabá, sent social media abuzz with videos of people running from the fiery spectacle.
Geologists explain that mud volcanoes can erupt when trapped underground gases, such as methane, find a pathway to the surface and ignite. These geological phenomena offer insights into underground processes, including sediment burial and hydrocarbon formation.
In response to the eruption, local authorities suspended the city's drinking water supply and began assessing damage to roads. While no injuries were reported, residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Officials assured the population that the activity would subside as the gases burned off.
Mud volcanoes are found globally, often in areas with oil and gas deposits, including Azerbaijan and parts of the United States. Historically, muds from such geothermal springs have been used by local communities for their perceived therapeutic properties.
