World

New mud volcanoes found in Trinidad after eruption

By AAP Newswire

Jan 17, 2024

Mud after Trinidad mud volcano eruption — Researchers are investigating mud volcanoes bubbling in Trinidad and Tobago. -AP

Experts are analysing a new set of small mud volcanoes discovered in recent days in the eastern Caribbean island of Trinidad that have prompted authorities to prepare evacuation plans.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Officials said they plan to meet with residents in the eastern part of the island this week after a small mud volcano erupted on Thursday in the Cascadoux Trace area.

No injuries or damage were reported, although a handful of families were relocated.

At least five other new mud volcano craters have been discovered since last week's eruption.

Raymond Cozier, chairman of the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation, told reporters on Monday that the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre is helping investigate the mud volcanoes, which are currently bubbling but not erupting.

Trinidad has long been known to have mud volcanos, and several of them have become tourist attractions.

A total of nearly two dozen mud volcanoes have been identified in the southern region of Trinidad near oil and gas reserves, although none in the sister island of Tobago, according to the twin-island country's National Trust foundation.

One of Trinidad's most well-known mud volcanoes, Piparo, erupted in 1997 and forced the relocation of hundreds of residents.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press