Volcano spews mud, natural gas in Pingtung

The mud volcano in Wandan, Pingtung County, erupted around 3 a.m. near a cemetery area, ejecting mud and releasing natural gases, according to the CNA.

Residents in the neighboring ignited the natural gases coming out from the volcano, hoping to end the eruption as soon as possible, the CNA said.

The mud volcano usually erupts once of twice a year. It last erupted on Dec. 21 in an area around the Huang Yuan Holy Temple, north of the cemetery.

The eruptions have been moving south. In early years, the eruptions occurred at the peak of Liyu Hill further north from the temple.

During the Japanese colonial years, there were attempts to explore the natural gas resources in the area.

The natural gases also facilitated the area's brick making business. At the peak of the business, there were eight kilns in the area.

The kilns were closed after clay sources ran out, but they have now become sites of cultural interests for tourists. The mud ejected from the volcano has also created unique geological attractions, boosting the local tourism.

The mud volcano was dormant for nine years between 1979 and 1988.

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