A volcanic eruption occurred this week near Ethiopia’s famed Erta Ale volcano, a popular tourist destination located in the Afar region, according to the Afar Regional Communication Bureau.
The eruption was reported at four distinct sites approximately 15 kilometers from the center of Erta Ale, a major attraction within the East African Rift Valley. The volcano is one of the few in the world with a continuously active lava lake, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
While initial reports indicated that smoke and fire were visible from new fissures in the area, regional authorities emphasized that no injuries or damage had been reported. The Afar Communication Bureau attributed the incident to molten lava from Erta Ale expanding into new fault lines.
Though the announcement referenced commentary from tourism officials such as Abdu Ahmed, Director of Tourism Promotion for the region, there was no confirmation from geological or volcanology experts at the time of reporting.
“The volcanic activity appears mostly smoky but includes active fire zones. New lava is being emitted through recently formed faults,” the Bureau noted in a statement. A similar episode reportedly occurred in recent weeks at the northern and southern crater lakes near the site.
Tourists Present During Eruption
At the time of the eruption, a group of international tourists—including visitors from Israel and Japan—were present near the site. Officials confirmed that safety protocols were swiftly activated and that all tourists and local residents remained unharmed.
Authorities credit early monitoring systems and preparedness efforts for the absence of casualties. The region has intensified its safety measures in recent years due to the growing number of tourists frequenting the volatile area.
Tourism in Afar Remains Resilient
Despite the volcanic activity, Erta Ale continues to be one of Ethiopia’s most visited natural landmarks. The Afar Region Tourism Bureau reported that over 404,000 domestic and international tourists visited the area during the recently concluded Ethiopian fiscal year. However, independent verification of that figure was not available.
Located in one of the most geologically active zones in the world, the Afar region forms a key part of the Great East African Rift Valley, where the African and Arabian tectonic plates meet. This seismic setting makes the area prone to volcanic and geothermal activity but also enhances its scientific and tourist appeal.
Regional officials said they will continue monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with national authorities to ensure safety and minimize disruption to tourism operations.
