TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A fiery mud volcano erupted in Pingtung County’s Wandan Township around 5 a.m. Wednesday and lasted for about three hours, sending mud flowing into nearby fields.

The eruption, which occurred in front of Huangyuan Temple, was the second this year. The volcano produced five vents that spewed mud and flames up to two meters high. Temple abbot Chang Pao-hui (張寶惠) said the last eruption took place six months ago, per CNA.

Wannei Village Chief Chen Yu-yi (陳玉意) said that after receiving reports of the eruption, he quickly arrived at the scene. He later coordinated efforts to dig diversion channels to prevent mud from flooding surrounding farmland.

Mud volcanoes are a geological phenomenon formed when high-pressure underground gases, such as methane, mix with groundwater to dissolve mudstone, creating a slurry that is pushed to the surface through fissures.

These formations can vary greatly in size, from a few meters to several kilometers in diameter, and can reach heights of several hundred meters. The Wandan mud volcano, located near the border of Wandan and Xinyuan townships, has erupted at least once a year since 1988.

Although eruptions are difficult to predict, they most commonly occur in Wannei Village or nearby areas, according to local officials.