“Most of the local people spent the night in a state of extreme anxiety when a thunder-like rumble was heard,” one worried resident told the Arab News.

Villagers near Harrah Al-Shaqah reported a pungent smell in the area and many said they believed the smell came from seismic and volcanic activity.

Fear of the eruption sent some residents fleeing to the holy city of Medina as well as Yanbu, according to the newspaper.

The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) said the strongest of the numerous tremors registered a magnitude of 5.7.

Some areas of western Saudi Arabia are covered with ancient lava fields, along with lava caves that attract tourists and geologists alike.

An eruption near Medina in 1256 produced six volcanic cones that spewed a flow of lava 15 miles (23 km) long, coming to within 5 miles (8 km) of the city.

The eruption lasted for 52 days and was preceded by four days of noticeable seismic activity, according to the SGS Web site.

Photo: Aramco Services Company