Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands: India’s only active volcano, Barren Island, has erupted twice in recent days, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirmed. The eruptions were minor, producing smoke plumes and small lava flows, and posed no danger to nearby inhabited islands.
Barren Island – home of India’s only active volcano
Barren Island, as the name suggests, is an uninhabited 8.34 sq km island made of volcanic ash and rocks. It is situated 140 km away from Port Blair by sea, on top of where the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates meet. Its steep volcanic cone rises dramatically from the sea, making it visible from miles away. The volcano here erupted for the first time in 1787, as per the official records reported by PTI. Since then, it has seen several mild eruptions in 1991, 2005, 2017, and 2022.
Officials said the current eruptions were small and mostly a natural spectacle, reminding scientists of the island’s unique geological significance. “This is part of the volcano’s regular activity,” a GSI official said. “We are monitoring it closely to ensure early warnings if anything changes.”
Volcanologists have long been fascinated by Barren Island, which stands out as India’s sole active volcano. Its eruptions are closely studied using satellite imagery and field surveys, offering insights into the region’s tectonic activity.
Residents on nearby islands were advised to follow official updates, although authorities reassured that there is no immediate threat.
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Barren Island’s eruptions, though small, serve as a vivid reminder of the dynamic forces shaping our planet and highlight the importance of continuous monitoring of India’s rare volcanic activity.
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