A rare natural phenomenon has alarmed residents and authorities in the rural area of San Pedro de Urabá, in the department of Antioquia, Colombia, where a mud volcano suddenly erupted in the village of Molinillo.
The explosion occurred just 24 hours after a powerful earthquake struck the country, raising doubts among experts that the tremors may have destabilized underground structures.
A dense, hot mass of mud erupted from the volcano, which spread rapidly along the slopes, engulfing vegetation and flooding surrounding areas. Emergency teams and the local community were immediately mobilized.
Geologists are analyzing the possibility that the earthquake created cracks in the underground layers, favoring the release of gases and materials accumulated under pressure.
The Urabá region is particularly known for its mud volcanoes. Of the 62 such formations recorded in Colombia, 19 are located in Urabá. Unlike traditional volcanoes, these structures do not emit lava or ash, but mainly mud, water, and gases.
Authorities have urged residents to stay away from the area of the explosion and to report any changes in the terrain. Access to the affected areas remains prohibited until inspections by specialists are completed, due to the instability of the ground.
