A powerful vent has opened at Dofan volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region, releasing strong jets of steam, rocks, and mud on January 3, 2025. This development comes as a series of earthquakes struck the region since December 22, raising concerns about a potential volcanic eruption – which would be the first recorded on record.
The vent, located in the Dulecha district, is emitting hydrothermal or phreatic explosive activity, suggesting magma intrusion beneath the surface. Groundwater heated by magma rapidly turns to steam, causing the jets of steam to escape from cracks in the ground.
Seismic activity began on December 22 and included numerous shallow earthquakes with magnitudes reaching up to 5.1. The epicenters are located near Dofan volcano, making it a prime suspect in the geological unrest. The largest earthquake measured M5.1 occurred at 22:20 UTC on December 29, 2024.
Volcanologist Tom Pfeiffer noted that the activity is linked to magma intrusion beneath the surface and may have caused the ongoing seismic swarm. Dofan volcano, also known as Dofen, has produced young lava flows and extensive cinder cones during the Holocene epoch, and its location in the Main Ethiopian Rift makes it a hotspot for volcanic and seismic activity.
The potential for an eruption at Dofan poses concerns for the 1,900 people living within 5 km of the volcano. Authorities have advised caution and readiness for potential evacuations with over 2.9 million people residing within a 100 km radius of Dofan.
Source: https://watchers.news/2025/01/03/powerful-vent-opens-at-dofan-volcano-as-seismic-crisis-hits-afar-region-ethiopia