Scientists panicking as ‘zombie’ volcano about to erupt

A volcano that hasn’t erupted in over 250,000 years is now showing signs of a possible awakening.

Known as Ulturuncu, this so-called "zombie volcano" is located in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia and has recently exhibited significant seismic activity as well as gas emissions.

Scientists from the University of Oxford have observed that the ground at the center of the volcano is rising, while the surrounding terrain is sinking—a deformation they attribute to liquid and gas movement beneath the crater.

Ulturuncu, which towers over 6,000 meters above sea level, is classified as a supervolcano, placing it in the same category as Mount St. Helens and Italy's Vesuvius.

What makes Ulturuncu particularly concerning is its proximity to populated areas. It lies just 40 kilometers from the nearest towns, and an eruption could pose a serious threat to local residents.

Even more alarmingly, the volcano is situated relatively close to two major South American cities—La Paz in Bolivia and Santiago, the capital of Chile—both of which could be blanketed in ash should a large eruption occur.

(QG - Source: The Daily Star — Picture : © Unsplash)