Multiple volcanoes around the world are exhibiting elevated activity, prompting alerts from various Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) as of . Significant eruptions and ongoing explosive activity have been reported in Russia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Guatemala, and several other regions, posing potential hazards to aviation and local populations.
Kamchatka: Shiveluch Volcano Erupts
The Shiveluch volcano in Kamchatka, Russia, continues to display explosive activity. The VAAC Tokyo has issued warnings regarding a volcanic ash plume reaching an estimated altitude of 28,000 feet (8,500 meters), moving northwest at 60 knots. This poses a risk to aircraft operating in the region. The ongoing eruption underscores the volatile nature of the Kamchatka peninsula, a region known for its high concentration of active volcanoes.
Philippines: Mayon Volcano Erupts
The Mayon volcano, located on Luzon Island in the Philippines, has also experienced an eruption. The VAAC Tokyo reported the eruption occurred at . Details regarding the specific impact and scale of the eruption are currently limited, but the VAAC advisory indicates ongoing volcanic activity.
Indonesia: Multiple Volcanoes Active
Indonesia, situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, is experiencing activity at several volcanoes. Ibu volcano, on Halmahera island, has prompted a VAAC Darwin advisory, with volcanic ash moving southeast. Lewotolo volcano, in the Lesser Sunda Islands, is also exhibiting activity, with a volcanic ash plume reaching flight level 060. Semeru volcano in East Java and Dukono volcano on Halmahera are also showing signs of ongoing explosive activity, with VAAC Darwin issuing advisories for both. Dukono’s plume reached an altitude of 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) and is moving at 5 knots in a southeasterly direction. Marapi volcano in Western Sumatra is also under observation, with a plume reported to flight level 110.
Guatemala: Fuego and Santiaguito Continue to Erupt
In Guatemala, both Fuego and Santiaguito volcanoes are exhibiting continued explosive activity. Fuego’s ash plume has reached an altitude of 17,000 feet (5,200 meters), while Santiaguito’s plume extends to 13,000 feet (4,000 meters). These ongoing eruptions are typical for these volcanoes, but require continued monitoring due to the potential for lahars and ashfall impacting nearby communities.
Ecuador, Peru, and Chile: Volcanic Activity Reported
Further south, volcanic activity is being monitored in Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. Reventador volcano in Ecuador has a plume reaching 14,000 feet (4,300 meters) and moving south. Sabancaya volcano in Peru has reported a puff emission, while Lascar volcano in Northern Chile has shown no volcanic ash emission as of .
Colombia and Other Regions
Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia is also under observation, with VAAC Washington issuing an advisory. Sangay volcano in Ecuador has also prompted a VAAC advisory. Activity continues at Bagana in Papua New Guinea, Barren Island in the Indian Ocean, Bezymianny and Klyuchevskoy in Kamchatka, Canlaon in the Philippines, Copahue in Chile/Argentina, Ebeko in Russia, Erebus in Antarctica, Erta Ale in Ethiopia, Etna in Italy, Homereef in Tonga, Karangetang in Indonesia, Karymsky in Kamchatka, Kilauea in Hawaii, Krasheninnikov in Kamchatka, Manam in Papua New Guinea, Masaya in Nicaragua, Merapi in Indonesia, Michael in the South Sandwich Islands, Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Planchón-Peteroa in Chile/Argentina, Popocatépetl in Mexico, Puracé in Colombia, Sakurajima in Japan, Stromboli in Italy, Suwanose-jima in Japan, Tinakula in the Solomon Islands, and Yasur in Vanuatu.
The widespread volcanic activity highlights the dynamic geological processes occurring across the globe. VAACs play a crucial role in monitoring these events and providing timely information to aviation authorities to ensure flight safety. Continued monitoring and assessment are essential to mitigate the risks associated with volcanic eruptions and protect vulnerable populations.
