India’s only active volcano, located on Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, erupted twice recently. The eruptions took place in a span of just over a week, on September 13 and September 20, 2025. Both these eruptions were classified as minor, with no reported casualties or threat to residents or neighboring islands. Social media is flooded with videos of these eruptions. But what triggered these eruptions? How dangerous can they be? Let’s find out.
India’s Only Active Volcano In the Andaman Erupts
The recent eruptions from India’s only volcano have drawn the attention of scientists, local authorities, and the public. Fortunately, there is no reported threat to nearby islands or human populations, as Barren Island is uninhabited and located approximately 140 kilometers northeast of Port Blair.
Authorities quickly reassured citizens that the explosions posed no danger to the Andaman or Nicobar communities. They also confirmed the absence of casualties or loss of wildlife.
–#India’s only Active volcano ‘Barren Island,’ Andaman & Nicobar got activated on 20 Sep’25
-Video by #IndianNavy warship on patrol pic.twitter.com/RJmMArzrJq— Insightful Geopolitics (@InsightGL) September 22, 2025
Dramatic Videos Surfaced On Social Media
The recent volcanic events were described as mild, with lava spewing from the crater and thick plumes of smoke rising high into the sky. Visual evidence, including dramatic videos recorded by observers, was shared on social media. They depicted the unmistakable signs of volcanic activity: glowing lava flows and clouds of ash.
Public reaction to the volcanic activity has ranged from curiosity to concern, especially for the island’s animals and birds, whose safety has been frequently referenced in social media comments. Many users interpreted the eruption as a dramatic reminder of nature’s unpredictable power and called for strong scientific and administrative vigilance.
Despite the minor scale of these eruptions, scientists stressed that Barren Island’s history of periodic activity requires ongoing vigilance and continuous monitoring.
Earthquake Triggered Andaman Eruptions
A significant factor believed to have triggered the eruption on September 20 was a 4.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the Andaman Sea just two days prior.
Experts from the National Centre for Seismology explained that seismic activity in this tectonic zone can disturb the magma chamber located deep below Barren Island. Such disruption may force hot magma upwards, resulting in episodic eruptions whenever pressure is released through fractures created by the tremors.
Barren Island is situated at the convergence of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates, a location renowned for its seismic instability and geological dynamism. Officials note that this mechanism has influenced similar eruptions in 1991, 2004, 2005, and other years as well.
The Barren Island volcano in the Andaman Sea last erupted on July 31, 2025, with ash reaching an altitude of 7,000 feet. This is the northernmost volcano in the Indonesian arc and is located 135 km ENE of Port Blair.
Bhartiya Jwalamukhi!!
🇮🇳🌋 pic.twitter.com/BbrJWu5iEE— Nomadic Musings (@midwaythoughts_) August 4, 2025
Authorities Remain On High Alert
Barren Island is characterized by its stark volcanic landscapes, steep cones, layers of volcanic ash, and minimal vegetation. The island spans about 8 square kilometers and rises approximately 354 meters above sea level.
Wildlife sightings include feral goats, rodents, bats, and marine birds, all of which appear to have been unharmed during the recent eruptions. While the ecosystem remains fragile, the lack of permanent human settlements minimizes risks to people, but calls for careful ecological oversight to ensure the conservation of local fauna.
Scientists are using this event not only to study volcanic behavior in the subduction zone but also better to understand the link between earthquakes and magmatic releases. As such, authorities remain on high alert, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and research around this unique geological landmark.
Summing Up
Though these eruptions are minor, regular screening is crucial for the safety of both the environment and nearby territories. The latest events are an example of India’s only active volcano’s power, history, and scientific importance.
