Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
Volcanic Eruptions Light Up Afar: Tourists Flock to Witness Ethiopia’s Fiery Spectacle
By Staff Writer
A series of volcanic eruptions have been reported in Ethiopia’s Afar region, with streams of lava and plumes of ash captivating both scientists and tourists alike. The Afar Regional Tourism Bureau confirmed on Thursday that four separate volcanic events have occurred within a 15-kilometre radius of the active Erta Ale volcano, one of Africa’s most notorious lava lakes.
The eruptions began yesterday and continue to draw significant attention particularly from foreign tourists who happened to be in the region when the seismic activity started. “It’s a dramatic natural event, but it has caused no harm to residents or tourists so far,” said Abdu Ahmed, Director of Tourism Resources Promotion and Market Development at the Afar Regional Tourism Bureau.
He added, “Tourists on the ground are witnessing this rare spectacle with admiration and amazement. It’s an unforgettable moment for them, and it’s creating a unique opportunity for scientific and tourism engagement.”
The Afar region, located in Ethiopia’s northeastern rift valley zone, is part of the East African Rift system where three tectonic plates the African, Somali, and Arabian are slowly pulling apart. The geological tension has made Afar one of the most volcanically active and scientifically significant regions in the world.
Erta Ale, the area’s most well-known volcano, has long attracted volcanologists and adventure travellers. Known locally as the “smoking mountain,” it has been in a state of continuous or near-continuous eruption for over 50 years.
Experts say that eruptions like these typically occur when underground magma builds up and creates pressure, eventually forcing its way through cracks in the Earth’s crust. These events, while visually stunning, can also serve as critical moments of research, offering insights into plate tectonics and magma behaviour beneath the Earth’s surface.
In recent years, Afar has seen a growing influx of adventure tourism, with visitors eager to explore its surreal landscape, including lava lakes, salt flats, and ancient fossil sites such as the famed discovery site of Lucy, the 3.2-million-year-old hominid.
Tourism officials have confirmed that they are closely monitoring the situation and are coordinating with local safety authorities and geological experts. “We are ensuring that all tours remain safe and responsible, while also allowing people to witness one of nature’s most powerful displays,” said Abdu.
For now, the eruptions have ignited more than just lava they’ve sparked a renewed interest in the geological wonders of the Afar region, placing Ethiopia once again at the centre of the world’s natural marvels.
