Recent Eruption
Baratang Mud Volcano Eruption After Twenty Years: The Baratang mud volcano in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands erupted on 2 October 2025, ending more than two decades of dormancy. The eruption created a 3–4 metre high mound and spread mud across nearly 1,000 square metres. Authorities sealed off the site and alerted the Geological Department for further analysis.
Static GK fact: The last major eruption of this mud volcano occurred in 2005.
Location of Baratang
Baratang Island lies in the North and Middle Andaman district, about 150 km from Port Blair. This island hosts the only mud volcano in India, making it a rare geological site. Tourists frequently visit Baratang to witness this natural feature, which highlights the unique geology of the Andaman group of islands.
Static GK fact: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise 572 islands, out of which only around 37 are inhabited.
Nature of Mud Volcanoes
Mud volcanoes are not like igneous volcanoes. They expel mud, gases, and water instead of molten lava. The gases, especially methane, result from the decomposition of organic matter deep underground. Pressure pushes the slurry to the surface, forming dome-shaped mounds. Such formations can vary from a few metres to several hundred metres in size.
Static GK Tip: The largest concentration of mud volcanoes in the world lies in Azerbaijan.
Precautions and Safety
Following the October 2025 eruption, authorities restricted access routes and stopped local transportation near the site. Police and forest officials are coordinating safety measures. Continuous monitoring is being carried out to detect any fresh activity.
Volcanic Activity in the Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands also host Barren Island, the only active igneous volcano in India. Located about 140 km from Port Blair, Barren Island has erupted multiple times since 1787. The most recent events occurred in 2022 and September 2025.
While Baratang’s mud volcano is powered by gases from organic decomposition, Barren Island eruptions are linked to tectonic plate interactions at the Indian-Burmese junction.
Static GK fact: The Andaman Sea is part of the seismically active zone due to the meeting of the Indian and Burmese plates.
Geological Significance and Tourism
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands serve as a geological laboratory where different volcanic processes coexist. Baratang’s mud volcano offers rare scientific data on organic gas-driven eruptions, while Barren Island provides insights into tectonic volcanism.
Eco-tourism thrives in this region as visitors seek experiences tied to geological phenomena and biodiversity. The latest eruption has added new scientific and tourist interest, although strict safety rules remain in place.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Baratang Mud Volcano Eruption After Twenty Years:
| Topic | Detail |
| Date of eruption | 2 October 2025 |
| Location | Baratang Island, North and Middle Andaman |
| Distance from Port Blair | About 150 km |
| Type of volcano | Mud volcano |
| Height of new mound | 3–4 metres |
| Area covered by mud | Nearly 1,000 square metres |
| Last major eruption | 2005 |
| Other volcano in region | Barren Island |
| Barren Island location | 140 km from Port Blair |
| Barren Island last eruption | September 2025 |
