Mount Karthala

Caldera of the Karthala

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Karthala is an active volcano on the island of Grande Comore, while the highest point of the Comoros. Eruptions on 17 April 2005 and on 29 May 2006 followed a period of inactivity since 1991.

Karthala has a height of 2,361 meters and is located near the capital Moroni. The volcano is active again and has recorded more than 20 eruptions since the 19th century. Frequent eruptions formed a caldera 3-4 kilometers in diameter, the island itself but has been saved from greater destruction.

Outbreak April 2005

The outbreak which brought the risk of lava flows and deadly volcanic gases with it, led to the resettlement of 40,000 people. The crater was formed again by the outbreak. The gray ash box around the crater and the caldera itself appear to be larger and deeper. The crater lake that formed after the outbreak in 1991 and dominated the view of the caldera, is now completely gone. Instead, there are now dark gray rocks, probably to cooling lava.

Activity in May 2006

On 29 May 2006 it was reported that residents of Moroni saw fresh lava at the top of the volcano. After several days paralyzed the activities.