The mesmerizing photographs taken inside the world’s hottest “door to hell” will leave many people in awe. Located in Afar, Ethiopia, there lies a massive lava lake where temperatures consistently exceed 1100 degrees Celsius. This lava lake has been continuously active since 1906 and shows no signs of ceasing, even after 110 years. Whenever the lava rises, the mouth of the lake glows, earning the mountain the nickname “smoking” mountain. The last major eruption occurred in September 2005, claiming the lives of 250 people and necessitating the evacuation of the entire surrounding population. In 2007, another eruption resulted in two missing individuals, and in November 2008, the lava lake erupted once again.
“The Erta Ale crater is perpetually active, with lava constantly flowing up and down and the potential to overflow at any moment. That is the most dangerous aspect. You might think the ground beneath your feet is solid, but no, the lava is incredibly hot and capable of melting the entire earth at any time,” explained photographer Santos. To capture images of the crater, Santos had to utilize a drone. “I had to position myself close to the controls of the drone. The heat is so intense that it can melt everything. I have to be extremely cautious and patient. Every 2 or 3 minutes, you hear a hissing sound from beneath the volcano, and suddenly, a fissure appears, leaving you breathless. And when the lava explodes, it’s like witnessing a fireworks display.”
The lava lake has maintained continuous activity for over a century.
The temperature within the lake can reach up to 1100 degrees Celsius, generating an incredibly scorching heat wave.
Dangerous cracks can appear in the vicinity of the lava lake at any time.
Lava forcefully erupts from the mouth of the mountain.
Historically, volcanic eruptions have resulted in numerous disastrous events.
Photographer Santos had to rely on a drone to capture these images.
The desert surrounding the mountain is considered one of the hottest places on Earth.
An aerial photograph showcases the crater from above.
