Multiple volcanoes across the globe are exhibiting heightened activity, prompting alerts from volcanological agencies worldwide. From Kamchatka to the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Americas, a complex pattern of eruptions, ash plumes, and unrest is unfolding, impacting aviation and local communities.
The Shiveluch volcano in Kamchatka, Russia, continues to exhibit explosive activity. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Tokyo has issued warnings regarding a volcanic ash plume reaching an estimated altitude of 28,000 feet (8,500 meters) as of . The plume is moving southwest at 15 knots, posing a potential hazard to aircraft.
In the Philippines, the Kanlaon volcano is also experiencing continued eruption activity. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that plumes rose to a maximum of 150 meters above the vent on . The alert level remains at “2 – Moderate Level of Volcanic Unrest.” Taal volcano, also in the Philippines, continues to show signs of unrest, with reported plumes and an alert level of “1 – Low-Level Unrest.” Mayon volcano is also erupting, with eruptive activity characterized by dome collapse and lava effusion. PHIVOLCS recorded 33 pyroclastic density current events and 348 rockfalls on , maintaining an alert level of “3 – Increased Tendency Towards Hazardous Eruption.”
Indonesia is facing significant volcanic activity across several islands. Ibu volcano is experiencing explosive activity, with a volcanic ash plume reaching 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) and moving northeast at 10 knots. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported 126 explosions at Ibu on , maintaining an alert level of “Level 2 – Alert.” Other Indonesian volcanoes under alert include Dukono, Karangetang, Raung, Sangeang Api, Lewotobi, Soputan, and Tangkubanparahu, all currently at alert levels ranging from “Level 2 – Alert” to “Level 3 – Standby.”
Further afield, Manam volcano in Papua New Guinea continues to exhibit explosive activity, with a volcanic ash plume reaching 7,000 feet (2,100 meters). In Ecuador, Sangay volcano is experiencing mild explosive activity with intermittent ash emissions. Reventador volcano is also erupting, with the VAAC Washington issuing advisories. In Peru, Sabancaya volcano continues to erupt, with a moderate-sized explosion recorded on , sending a plume to 2,300 meters above the crater rim.
Activity is also reported in Central America and the Caribbean. Santiaguito volcano in Guatemala is emitting ash plumes reaching 14,000 feet (4,300 meters). Fuego volcano, also in Guatemala, is experiencing frequent explosions and ash emissions. Turrialba, Rincón de la Vieja, and Poás volcanoes in Costa Rica remain under alert, with varying levels of unrest.
In the United States, Kilauea volcano in Hawai’i paused its eruptive activity between and , but remains at a “Watch” level. Great Sitkin volcano in the Aleutian Islands continues to erupt with slow lava effusion, also at a “Watch” level. Shishaldin volcano in the Aleutian Islands is exhibiting unrest with elevated seismicity and vapor plumes, remaining at an “Advisory” level.
Finally, Home Reef volcano in Tonga has entered a new effusive phase, with lava flows observed. This follows a period of dormancy and signals a renewed period of volcanic activity in the region.
The widespread volcanic activity underscores the dynamic nature of the Earth’s geological processes. While many of these eruptions are relatively minor and pose limited immediate threat, the potential for escalation and the disruption to air travel remain significant concerns. Volcanological agencies continue to monitor these volcanoes closely, providing updates and warnings to mitigate risks to local populations and aviation.
