Malan Island

Malan Island is located in Lasbela District, Balochistan, Pakistan. Approximately 3 km off the Makran coast near the Hingol River delta. The island is formed by the eruption of mud, gases, and water through fissures in the Earth’s crust, a phenomenon known as a mud volcano.

The island first emerged in November 1945 following a significant earthquake. Subsequent appearances were recorded in March 1999 and November 2010, with each emergence followed by gradual erosion due to sea currents and winds.

Scientific studies have revealed that the island’s eruptions release gases such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane, indicating the presence of microbiologically generated methane beneath the seabed. These findings suggest that the Makran coastal region may harbor significant reserves of methane gas hydrates.

Given its composition of soft sediments and gases, the island is inherently unstable.