Since last night, a mud volcano has kept the municipality of San Juan de Uraba, in the Uraba subregion in northern Colombia, on edge. The eruption began suddenly, with violent expulsions of mud and gases that even generated visible flames, forcing nearby residents to leave their homes amid fear. The phenomenon, unusual for its intensity, immediately raised alarms in this area of northwestern Antioquia.
Local authorities activated emergency protocols in the early morning hours, cordoned off the area, and ordered preventive evacuations while technical teams assessed the stability of the ground. Authorities and disaster prevention agencies are monitoring the situation due to the risk of new expulsions. The community remains on alert, awaiting official reports, as the earth continues to send signs of instability.
Volcano eruption alert in Colombia
The usual calm of the municipality of San Juan de Uraba, in northwestern Colombia, was shattered late yesterday, Wednesday, by a phenomenon few expected and that has placed both the community and authorities on maximum alert. There, a mud volcano erupted suddenly, projecting columns of mud, gases, and flames into the sky.
The event was captured in several videos that quickly went viral, showing a striking scene: Dense clouds of rising mud, flames soaring above the ground, and an atmosphere of alarm that immediately spread among residents.
The phenomenon, associated with a diapir — a violent expulsion of mud, water, and gases from the subsurface — was not preceded by clear seismic warnings, which increased the bewilderment of those living in this geographic corridor between Antioquia and the Colombian Caribbean.
Although technically it is not a magma eruption like those of classic volcanoes, the visual and physical impact of the event has been enough to generate concern and immediately activate a package of preventive measures by risk management entities.
Columns of mud and gases emerging to great heights, fire illuminating the twilight, and a cloud of dust that darkened the nearby landscape. It was not lava, but the force of the geological expulsion was such that the alarm was immediately raised.
Despite the spectacular nature of the event, preliminary official reports indicated that no injuries or human casualties had been recorded so far, although road infrastructure was affected and animal deaths were reported in areas near the eruption site.
#ATENCIÓN. Volcán de lodo hizo erupción en mpio/San Juan de Urabá (Antioquia) generando alarma entre la comunidad. Autoridades locales evalúan las posibles afectaciones mientras organismos de gestión del riesgo monitorean la zona; por el momento, el sector no cuenta con energía. pic.twitter.com/DRH5hYtpDk
— Colombia Oscura (@ColombiaOscura) February 26, 2026
Alert and response: evacuations and preventive protocols
Given the magnitude of the phenomenon, authorities declared the situation an emergency requiring immediate attention. Preventive protocols were activated, including the precautionary evacuation of homes near the emission site and the establishment of a security perimeter around the affected area, with the aim of protecting residents from possible new expulsions or ground movements.
Monitoring and assessment efforts are being carried out by specialized technical teams that have arrived at the site to measure gas levels, verify geological stability, and determine whether there is a risk of additional episodes in the coming hours.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) has explained that this type of event, although less frequent than other volcanic phenomena, may be related to the internal pressure of sediments and gases in areas with specific geological materials, such as saturated mud deposits that, when displaced, find pathways to the surface.
In the streets and homes of the municipality of San Juan de Uraba, conversations among neighbors and families have revolved around the unpredictability of the event and the swift response of the authorities.
Many recount the moment when the ground shook, and the sky lit up with reddish flames, a scene that is difficult to forget. The fear has been palpable, fueled by the proximity of the phenomenon to inhabited areas and key infrastructure such as the municipal aqueduct.
Although the damage assessment continues, the authorities’ message is clear: Remain calm, respect the established security zones, and stay attentive to official communications.
The fact is that, in a region where daily life is deeply tied to the land and its natural rhythms, the eruption of this volcano has paralyzed everyday life, even though the swift institutional response prevented harm to people, while the situation is expected to stabilize.