Port Blair, October 3, 2025:
After lying dormant for more than two decades, India’s only mud volcano at Baratang Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has erupted again — creating a massive mound and sending shockwaves across the region.
The rare natural event was reported on October 2, accompanied by a deafening explosion-like sound, officials confirmed on Friday.
🌋 Baratang Mud Volcano Erupts After 20 Years
According to local authorities, the mud volcano at Jarwa Creek in Baratang began erupting suddenly around 1:30 PM on Thursday. This marks the first major eruption since 2005.
“The eruption was followed by a loud, explosion-like sound. When our team reached the site, we saw mud, smoke, and gas continuously spewing out of the ground,”
said a senior police officer from the North and Middle Andaman district.
The volcano’s activity has resulted in the formation of a 3–4 metre-high mound, with mud spread over an area exceeding 1,000 square metres.
🧪 What Is a Mud Volcano?
Experts explain that a mud volcano is not a lava-based volcanic eruption, but a natural geological event caused by the release of gases and liquids from underground layers.
“The mud volcano is formed when gases from decaying organic matter deep inside the earth push mud and gas to the surface, creating bubbles, craters, and eruptions,”
said a local geological officer.
Baratang’s mud volcano is a unique geological feature — it’s the only one of its kind in India, making it a major eco-tourism attraction in the Andamans.
đźš« Tourist Access Suspended for Safety
Following the eruption, the Forest Department and local police have suspended all tourist movement to the mud volcano site as a safety measure.
All approach routes have been closed, and the Fiber Boat Owners’ Association and tour operators have been informed about the restrictions.
Authorities have also alerted the Geological Department for continuous monitoring of volcanic activity.
“We’ve taken all safety precautions for locals and tourists. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far,”
confirmed the police officer.
🌋 Recent Volcanic Activity in the Andamans
Interestingly, this eruption follows two minor volcanic events recently observed at Barren Island, the only active volcano in India, located about 140 km from Port Blair.
Minor eruptions at Barren Island were recorded on September 13 and September 20, 2025, marking renewed tectonic activity in the region.
Barren Island, which sits at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates, has a history of eruptions dating back to 1787, with major events recorded in 1991, 2005, 2017, and 2022.
Officials clarified that the Baratang mud volcano and the Barren Island volcano are separate geological formations, though both belong to the same volcanic belt in the Andaman Sea.
đź“Ť About Baratang Island
Located about 150 km from Port Blair, Baratang Island is part of the North and Middle Andaman district. It’s known for its limestone caves, dense mangroves, and the famous mud volcano, which attracts thousands of tourists every year.
With the latest eruption, authorities are urging visitors to stay updated on safety advisories before planning trips to the region.
