loading . . . The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: January 8-14, 2026 **New activity/unrest:** Barren Island, India | Etna, Italy | Mayon, Philippines | Pavlof, United States | Sabancaya, Peru.
**Ongoing activity:** Ahyi, United States | Aira, Japan | Fuego, Guatemala | Great Sitkin, United States | Ibu, Indonesia | Kanlaon, Philippines | Kilauea, United States | Krasheninnikov, Russia | Lewotobi, Indonesia | Lewotolok, Indonesia | Marapi, Indonesia | Merapi, Indonesia | Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia | Purace, Colombia | Reventador, Ecuador | Sangay, Ecuador | Santa Maria, Guatemala | Semeru, Indonesia | Sheveluch, Russia | Suwanosejima, Japan | Taal, Philippines | Ubinas, Peru.
## New activity/unrest
### Barren Island, India
**12.278°N, 93.858°E | Summit elev. 354 m**
A small thermal anomaly at the summit or on the upper NNE flank of Barren Island was visible in satellite images from 4, 9, and 11 January. The Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) reported that on 10 January an ash plume was identified in satellite images rising 1.2 km (4,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting WSW.
**Geological summary:** Barren Island, a possession of India in the Andaman Sea about 135 km NE of Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, is the only historically active volcano along the N-S volcanic arc extending between Sumatra and Burma (Myanmar). It is the emergent summit of a volcano that rises from a depth of about 2250 m. The small, uninhabited 3-km-wide island contains a roughly 2-km-wide caldera with walls 250-350 m high. The caldera, which is open to the sea on the west, was created during a major explosive eruption in the late Pleistocene that produced pyroclastic-flow and -surge deposits. Historical eruptions have changed the morphology of the pyroclastic cone in the center of the caldera, and lava flows that fill much of the caldera floor have reached the sea along the western coast.
### Etna, Italy
**37.748°N, 14.999°E | Summit elev. 3357 m**
The Sezione di Catania – Osservatorio Etneo (INGV) reported that eruptive activity at Etna’s summit craters continued during 5-11 January, characterized by gas emissions at the summit craters and advancing lava flows in the Valle del Bove. Satellite and webcam observations were often hindered by weather conditions; observatory scientists conducted field visits during 5-7 and 9 January. During 5-6 January new lava flows from vents near Mount Simone were visible that overlapped flows from previous days. The flows split into several branches and reached 1,365 m elevation before stopping during 6-7 January. Weather conditions prevented visual observations during 10-11 January, though flashes of incandescence at the eruptive vents in the upper Valle del Bove were sporadically visible.
**Geological summary:** Mount Etna, towering above Catania on the island of Sicily, has one of the world’s longest documented records of volcanism, dating back to 1500 BCE. Historical lava flows of basaltic composition cover much of the surface of this massive volcano, whose edifice is the highest and most voluminous in Italy. The Mongibello stratovolcano, truncated by several small calderas, was constructed during the late Pleistocene and Holocene over an older shield volcano. The most prominent morphological feature of Etna is the Valle del Bove, a 5 x 10 km caldera open to the east. Two styles of eruptive activity typically occur, sometimes simultaneously. Persistent explosive eruptions, sometimes with minor lava emissions, take place from one or more summit craters. Flank vents, typically with higher effusion rates, are less frequently active and originate from fissures that open progressively downward from near the summit (usually accompanied by Strombolian eruptions at the upper end). Cinder cones are commonly constructed over the vents of lower-flank lava flows. Lava flows extend to the foot of the volcano on all sides and have reached the sea over a broad area on the SE flank.
### Mayon, Philippines
**13.257°N, 123.685°E | Summit elev. 2462 m**
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that activity continued at Mayon’s summit dome during 8-14 January. Effusion and collapses at the summit dome produced pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), rockfalls, ash plumes, avalanches of incandescent material, and the beginnings of lava flows. Seismic stations recorded 72-256 daily rockfall events and 37-100 daily PDCs; one volcanic earthquake was recorded on 7 January and tow more were recorded on 8 January. Emissions were visible daily rising as high as 1 km above the summit and drifting in multiple directions. PHIVOLCS noted that lava flows appeared to be forming during 8-10 January. Real-time Seismic Amplitude Measurement (RSAM) data increased on 11 January due to background tremor, possibly indicating open vent conditions. Though inflation at the E flank had been ongoing since June 2024, there were no corresponding increases in deformation along with the increased seismicity. Sulfur dioxide emissions remained at background levels, averaging 195 tonnes per day (t/d) on 8 January, 777 t/d on 10 January, and 526 t/d on 11 January. According to the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), ash plumes were identified in satellite images during 8-9 and 11 January rising 2.7-3.4 km (9,000-11,000 ft) a.s.l., or as high as 900 m above the summit, and drifted W and WSW. By 1100 on 12 January a total of 4,092 people (1,116 families) had moved to 14 evacuation shelters, and an additional 48 people (15 families) were staying with friends or relatives, according to a report from the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC). Activity during 11-14 January was characterized as dome growth and lava-flow effusion. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 0-5 scale) and residents were reminded to stay away from the 6-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). PHIVOLCS recommended that civil aviation authorities advise pilots to avoid flying close to the summit.
**Geological summary:** Symmetrical Mayon, which rises above the Albay Gulf NW of Legazpi City, is the most active volcano of the Philippines. The steep upper slopes are capped by a small summit crater. Recorded eruptions since 1616 CE range from Strombolian to basaltic Plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer periods of andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic density currents and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often damaged populated lowland areas. A violent eruption in 1814 killed more than 1,200 people and devastated several towns.
### Pavlof, United States
**55.417°N, 161.894°W | Summit elev. 2493 m**
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported that seismicity at Pavlof had increased. The rate of long-period earthquakes began to increase at around 0045 on 14 January. No eruptive activity or emissions from the summit were observed in clear webcam images from the morning. The earthquake activity represented an increase from background levels. At 1103 the Volcano Alert Level was raised to Advisory (the second lowest level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale).
**Geological summary:** The most active volcano of the Aleutian arc, Pavlof is a Holocene stratovolcano that was constructed along a line of vents extending NE from the Emmons Lake caldera. Pavlof and Pavlof Sister to the NE form a dramatic pair of symmetrical, glacier-covered stratovolcanoes that overlook Pavlof and Volcano bays. Little Pavlof is a smaller cone on the SW flank of Pavlof volcano, near the rim of Emmons Lake caldera. Unlike Pavlof Sister, eruptions have frequently been reported from Pavlof, typically Strombolian to Vulcanian explosive eruptions from the summit vents and occasional lava flows. The active vents lie near the summit on the north and east sides. The largest recorded eruption took place in 1911, at the end of a 5-year-long eruptive episode, when a fissure opened on the N flank, ejecting large blocks and issuing lava flows.
### Sabancaya, Peru
**15.787°S, 71.857°W | Summit elev. 5960 m**
The Instituto GeofĂsico del Perú’s (IGP) Centro VulcanolĂłgico Nacional (CENVUL) reported continuing eruptive activity at Sabancaya during 7-14 January. The seismic network detected 6-18 daily earthquakes indicating the movement of magma and gases. There were 0-3 daily thermal anomalies at the bottom of the crater identified in satellite images. Steam-and-gas plumes were visible on a few of the days rising 200-500 m above the crater rim and drifting in various directions. An explosion at 1548 on 9 January produced a plume that rose 2.1 km above the crater rim and drifted N, NW, and W. Another explosion at 0538 on 10 January produced a gas, ash, and steam plume that rose 1.5 km above the crater rim and drifted N, NW, and W. Gas, ash, and steam plumes during 12-13 January rose 600-1,300 m above the crater rim and drifted SW and W. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the third level on a four-color scale) and the public was warned to stay outside of a 12 km radius from the summit.
**Geological summary:** Sabancaya, located in the saddle NE of Ampato and SE of Hualca Hualca volcanoes, is the youngest of these volcanic centers and the only one to have erupted in historical time. The oldest of the three, Nevado Hualca Hualca, is of probable late-Pliocene to early Pleistocene age. The name Sabancaya (meaning “tongue of fire” in the Quechua language) first appeared in records in 1595 CE, suggesting activity prior to that date. Holocene activity has consisted of Plinian eruptions followed by emission of voluminous andesitic and dacitic lava flows, which form an extensive apron around the volcano on all sides but the south. Records of observed eruptions date back to 1750 CE.
## Ongoing activity
### Ahyi, United States
**20.437°N, 145.03°E | Summit elev. -50 m**
On 9 January the US Geological Survey reported that no significant signs of unrest were detected at Ahyi Seamount during the previous week. A weak submarine plume of discolored water, likely associated with degassing and hydrothermal activity, was observed in a high-resolution satellite image on 6 January. No signals were detected in data from underwater pressure sensors near Wake Island (about 2,270 km E of Ahyi). The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) and the Volcano Alert Level remained at Advisory (the second lowest level on a four-level scale).
**Geological summary:** Ahyi seamount is a large conical submarine volcano ~18 km SE of the island of Farallon de Pajaros in the northern Marianas. Water discoloration has been observed there, and in 1979 the crew of a fishing boat felt shocks over the summit area, followed by upwelling of sulfur-bearing water. On 24-25 April 2001 an explosive eruption was detected seismically by a station on Rangiroa Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago. The event was well constrained (+/- 15 km) at a location near the southern base of Ahyi. An eruption in April-May 2014 was detected by NOAA divers, hydroacoustic sensors, and seismic stations.
### Aira, Japan
**31.5772°N, 130.6589°E | Summit elev. 1117 m**
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 5-12 January. Nightly crater incandescence was visible in webcam images. A period of continuous ash emissions during 1558-1710 on 6 January produced ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the crater rim and drifted S. Sulfur dioxide emissions were high, averaging 2,800 tons per day on 8 January. Small eruptive events were occasionally detected during 9-12 January. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale), and the public was warned to be cautious within 2 km of both the Minimadake and Showa craters.
**Geological summary:** The Aira caldera in the northern half of Kagoshima Bay contains the post-caldera Sakurajima volcano, one of Japan’s most active. Eruption of the voluminous Ito pyroclastic flow accompanied formation of the 17 x 23 km caldera about 22,000 years ago. The smaller Wakamiko caldera was formed during the early Holocene in the NE corner of the caldera, along with several post-caldera cones. The construction of Sakurajima began about 13,000 years ago on the southern rim and built an island that was joined to the Osumi Peninsula during the major explosive and effusive eruption of 1914. Activity at the Kitadake summit cone ended about 4,850 years ago, after which eruptions took place at Minamidake. Frequent eruptions since the 8th century have deposited ash on the city of Kagoshima, located across Kagoshima Bay only 8 km from the summit. The largest recorded eruption took place during 1471-76.
### Fuego, Guatemala
**14.4748°N, 90.8806°W | Summit elev. 3799 m**
The Instituto Nacional de SismologĂa, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia e HidrologĂa (INSIVUMEH) reported that eruptive activity at Fuego continued during 7-14 January. Daily Strombolian explosions recorded by the seismic network, at rates of 3-10 per hour when reported, generated gas-and-ash plumes that rose as high as 1.1 km above the summit and drifted as far as 40 km NW, W, and SW. Occasional rumbling sounds, shock waves, and/or sounds associated with gas emissions were reported. Explosions occasionally ejected incandescent material as high as 300 m above the summit. Incandescent block avalanches descended the W, SW, S, and SE flanks, sometimes reaching vegetated areas. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including PanimachĂ© I and II (8 km SW), Sangre de Cristo, Finca Palo Verde, El Porvenir (10 km S), and Yepocapa (8 km NW) and communities on the W flank during 8-10 January and in communities on the SW flank during 12-13 January.
**Geological summary:** Volcán Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, is also one of three large stratovolcanoes overlooking Guatemala’s former capital, Antigua. The scarp of an older edifice, Meseta, lies between Fuego and Acatenango to the north. Construction of Meseta dates back to about 230,000 years and continued until the late Pleistocene or early Holocene. Collapse of Meseta may have produced the massive Escuintla debris-avalanche deposit, which extends about 50 km onto the Pacific coastal plain. Growth of the modern Fuego volcano followed, continuing the southward migration of volcanism that began at the mostly andesitic Acatenango. Eruptions at Fuego have become more mafic with time, and most historical activity has produced basaltic rocks. Frequent vigorous eruptions have been recorded since the onset of the Spanish era in 1524, and have produced major ashfalls, along with occasional pyroclastic flows and lava flows.
### Great Sitkin, United States
**52.076°N, 176.13°W | Summit elev. 1740 m**
The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported that slow lava effusion continued to feed a thick flow in Great Sitkin’s summit crater during 8-14 January. High-resolution satellite images showed that the S margin of the flow slightly advanced and S and rockfalls from the margins continued. Seismicity was quiet, with a few small earthquakes, and weather clouds often obscured satellite and webcam views. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the third level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the third color on a four-color scale).
**Geological summary:** The Great Sitkin volcano forms much of the northern side of Great Sitkin Island. A younger volcano capped by a small, 0.8 x 1.2 km ice-filled summit caldera was constructed within a large late-Pleistocene or early Holocene scarp formed by massive edifice failure that truncated an older edifice and produced a submarine debris avalanche. Deposits from this and an even older debris avalanche from a source to the south cover a broad area of the ocean floor north of the volcano. The summit lies along the eastern rim of the younger collapse scarp. Deposits from an earlier caldera-forming eruption of unknown age cover the flanks of the island to a depth up to 6 m. The small younger caldera was partially filled by lava domes emplaced in 1945 and 1974, and five small older flank lava domes, two of which lie on the coastline, were constructed along northwest- and NNW-trending lines. Hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles occur near the head of Big Fox Creek, south of the volcano. Eruptions have been recorded since the late-19th century.
### Ibu, Indonesia
**1.4941°N, 127.6324°E | Summit elev. 1357 m**
The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that activity at Ibu continued during 8-14 January with daily eruptive events recorded. White-to-gray or gray ash plumes rose 300-600 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions on most days; weather conditions prevented visual confirmation during 13-14 January. Incandescence at the summit was visible in a few nighttime webcam images. The Alert Level remained at 2 (the second lowest level on a four-level scale) and the public was advised to stay 2 km away from the active crater and 3.5 km away from the N crater wall opening.
**Geological summary:** The truncated summit of Gunung Ibu stratovolcano along the NW coast of Halmahera Island has large nested summit craters. The inner crater, 1 km wide and 400 m deep, has contained several small crater lakes. The 1.2-km-wide outer crater is breached on the N, creating a steep-walled valley. A large cone grew ENE of the summit, and a smaller one to the WSW has fed a lava flow down the W flank. A group of maars is located below the N and W flanks. The first observed and recorded eruption was a small explosion from the summit crater in 1911. Eruptive activity began again in December 1998, producing a lava dome that eventually covered much of the floor of the inner summit crater along with ongoing explosive ash emissions.
### Kanlaon, Philippines
**10.4096°N, 123.13°E | Summit elev. 2422 m**
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported continuing eruptive activity at Kanlaon during 7-14 January. The seismic network recorded 2-15 daily volcanic earthquakes. Gas-and-steam emissions that were sometimes dense rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim and drifted NW, W, and SW. Daily sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from 854 to 4,126 tonnes per day (t/d). There were multiple days with ash emissions. Two periods of ash emissions were visible on 7 January, one lasted one hour and 48 minutes and the other lasted six hours and 21 minutes. One of the emissions was captured in webcam images at 1458; it was grayish, rose 900 m above the crater rim, and drifted NW. A 15-minute-long ash emission was detected on 9 January, and on 11 January three ash emissions lasted 46-80 minutes. Four ash emissions on 12 January ranged in time from 10 to 396 minutes long. At 1130 on 14 January PHIVOLCS issued a special report stating that seismicity had increased, with 45 volcano-tectonic earthquakes recorded since the beginning of the day that were 0.6-3.9 M and located at depths of 0-13 km beneath the NW flanks. The strongest events were felt at intensities of I to IV in La Carlota City, Bacolod City, and Bago City, Negros Occidental and in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,248 t/d on 13 January, near the daily average of 1,767 t/d since 1 January. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5); the public was warned to stay out of the 4-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and pilots were advised to avoid flying close to the summit.
**Geological summary:** Kanlaon volcano (also spelled Canlaon) forms the highest point on the Philippine island of Negros. The massive andesitic stratovolcano is covered with fissure-controlled pyroclastic cones and craters, many of which are filled by lakes. The largest debris avalanche known in the Philippines traveled 33 km SW from Kanlaon. The summit contains a 2-km-wide, elongated northern caldera with a crater lake and a smaller but higher active vent, Lugud crater, to the south. Eruptions recorded since 1866 have typically consisted of phreatic explosions of small-to-moderate size that produce minor local ashfall.
### Kilauea, United States
**19.421°N, 155.287°W | Summit elev. 1222 m**
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) reported that the eruption within Kilauea’s Kaluapele summit caldera, characterized by episodic fountaining, incandescence, and intermittent spatter from craters along the SW margin of Halema’uma’u Crater, continued at variable levels during 8-14 January. Intermittent incandescence at both the N and S vents and some spattering at the N vent was visible overnight during 6-8 January. Incandescence intensified overnight during 8-9 January. A small overflow of lava briefly occurred at the S vent at 1605 on 8 January and was followed by more significant overflows that generated slow moving lava flows during 1821-1837 and 2202-2222. Spattering continued at the N vent. Nearly continuous overflows at the N vent were visible during 9-10 January. Overflows at the S vent started again at 0512 on 10 January and were fed by 3-m-tall dome fountains. At the N vent, overflows had diminished, but spattering continued. Both vents began overflowing lava at around 0700 with pauses in the overflows of 5-10 minutes. Activity intensified at 0730 when fountains roughly doubled in size to 6 m and remained continuous.
Nearly continuous overflows continued from the N vent during most of 10 January and through the overnight. Intermittent dome fountains formed within the S vent and produced pulses of lava that overflowed the vent several times per hour. Activity at the N vent decreased at around 0300 on 11 January and produced only intermittent lava overflows. Later that morning only spattering was visible within the N vent and large overflows at the S vent slowed to about one per hour, with the last overflow ending just before 0910. Overflows at the S vent continue to feed an active lava flow that extended across the Halema’uma’u Crater floor; the flow was 1 km long by 12 January.
Spattering at the N vent increased at around 0630 on 12 January and began to generate an overflow. By around 0700 the spattering transitioned to a small, narrow, arcuate lava fountain that rose 5-10 m. Sustained fountaining at the vent began at 0822; fountain heights increased steadily, exceeding 200 m in height. Tephra fell on the W and S rims of Halema’uma’u Crater. Meanwhile, intermittent lava spattering and small dome fountains continued at the S vent. Lava flows from the S vent continued to advance on the crater floor. Lava fountaining ended abruptly at 1804 on 12 January after 9.7 hours of continuous fountaining. The Volcano Alert Level remained at Watch (the third level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the third color on a four-color scale).
**Geological summary:** Kilauea overlaps the E flank of the massive Mauna Loa shield volcano in the island of Hawaii. Eruptions are prominent in Polynesian legends; written documentation since 1820 records frequent summit and flank lava flow eruptions interspersed with periods of long-term lava lake activity at Halemaumau crater in the summit caldera until 1924. The 3 x 5 km caldera was formed in several stages about 1,500 years ago and during the 18th century; eruptions have also originated from the lengthy East and Southwest rift zones, which extend to the ocean in both directions. About 90% of the surface of the basaltic shield volcano is formed of lava flows less than about 1,100 years old; 70% of the surface is younger than 600 years. The long-term eruption from the East rift zone between 1983 and 2018 produced lava flows covering more than 100 km2, destroyed hundreds of houses, and added new coastline.
### Krasheninnikov, Russia
**54.596°N, 160.27°E | Summit elev. 1816 m**
The Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that eruptive activity at Krasheninnikov continued during 25 December 2025-1 January 2026. A large daily thermal anomaly over the volcano was identified in satellite images. Satellite images showed active lava flows on the ENE flank on 6 and 11 January. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Dates and times are provided in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC); specific events are indicated in local time where specified.
**Geological summary:** The late Pleistocene to Holocene Krasheninnikov volcano is comprised of two overlapping stratovolcanoes within a 9 x 10 km Pleistocene caldera. Young lava flows from summit and flank vents descend both into the caldera and down its outer flanks, and older flows that covered much of the SE caldera rim extended downslope at least 7 km. Tephra deposits from the caldera-forming eruption directly overlie a 39,000 years before present (BP) tephra thought to be associated with the formation of Uzon caldera (Florenskii, 1988). The intra-caldera stratovolcanoes are situated along a NE-SW-trending fissure that has also produced zones of Holocene cinder cones extending 15-20 km beyond the caldera. Construction of the southern edifice began about 11,000 years BP and lasted for about 4,500 years; it has a summit crater about 800-900 m wide. The northern edifice was constructed during a cycle of similar length that began about 6,500 years ago; it has a summit crater about 1.5 km wide, within which is low cone with an 800-m-wide crater containing another small cone. An eruptive cycle during about 600-400 years BP (1350-1550 CE) produced the Pauk lava cone in the crater of the northern cone and the Yuzhny lava flow on SW flank outside the caldera, followed by the Molodoy flow from the upper SW flank (Ponomareva, 1987; Ponomareva and Tsyurupa, 1985; Ponomareva and Braitseva, 1990).
### Lewotobi, Indonesia
**8.542°S, 122.775°E | Summit elev. 1703 m**
According to the Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral (ESDM), the Badan Nacional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB), and news reports, seismic activity at Lewotobi Laki-laki began to increase during 23-24 December 2025, with notable increases in the number of deep volcanic earthquakes on 31 December. ESDM noted that deformation data from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and tiltmeter data indicated significant inflation starting at around the same time as the increased seismicity that intensified during the last few days of the year. The seismicity and inflation were indicators that magma was moving. The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) raised the Alert Level to 4 (the highest level on a scale of 1-4) at 1800 on 1 January and warned the public to stay 6 km away from the center of Laki-laki and 7 km in an area clockwise from NW to NE. News agencies reported that seismicity remained at high levels during 2-3 January and deformation data showed inflationary trends. On 9 January PVMBG lowered the Alert Level to 3 and the public was warned to stay 6 km away from the center of Laki-laki.
**Geological summary:** The Lewotobi edifice in eastern Flores Island is composed of the two adjacent Lewotobi Laki-laki and Lewotobi Perempuan stratovolcanoes (the “husband and wife”). Their summits are less than 2 km apart along a NW-SE line. The conical Laki-laki to the NW has been frequently active during the 19th and 20th centuries, while the taller and broader Perempuan has had observed eruptions in 1921 and 1935. Small lava domes have grown during the 20th century in both of the summit craters, which are open to the north. A prominent cone, Iliwokar, occurs on the E flank of Perampuan.
### Lewotolok, Indonesia
**8.274°S, 123.508°E | Summit elev. 1431 m**
The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported ongoing eruptive activity at Lewotolok during 8-14 January. White-and-gray ash plume rose 20-300 m above the summit and drifted NE, E, and SE during 7 and 9-10 January. A gray-and-black ash plume rose 500 m above the summit and drifted E on 11 January. No emissions were visible on 8 or 13 January. White plumes rose 50-100 m above the summit and drifted NE, E, and SE on 9 and 12 January. Incandescence at the summit was visible in a webcam image on 8 January, and material was visible in an image on 10 January being ejected above the summit and onto the flanks. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 2 km away from the summit and 2.5 km away on the SSE and W flanks.
**Geological summary:** The Lewotolok (or Lewotolo) stratovolcano occupies the eastern end of an elongated peninsula extending north into the Flores Sea, connected to Lembata (formerly Lomblen) Island by a narrow isthmus. It is symmetrical when viewed from the north and east. A small cone with a 130-m-wide crater constructed at the SE side of a larger crater forms the volcano’s high point. Many lava flows have reached the coastline. Eruptions recorded since 1660 have consisted of explosive activity from the summit crater.
### Marapi, Indonesia
**0.38°S, 100.474°E | Summit elev. 2885 m**
The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that eruptive activity at Marapi (on Sumatra) continued during 8-14 January. Eruptive events were recorded by the seismic network at 0841 on 8 January and at 1959 on 13 January, though weather conditions prevented visual confirmation. An eruptive event at 2136 on 14 January produced a dense gray ash plume that rose around 1.6 km above the summit and drifted NE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 3 km away from the active crater.
**Geological summary:** Gunung Marapi, not to be confused with the better-known Merapi volcano on Java, is Sumatra’s most active volcano. This massive complex stratovolcano rises 2,000 m above the Bukittinggi Plain in the Padang Highlands. A broad summit contains multiple partially overlapping summit craters constructed within the small 1.4-km-wide Bancah caldera. The summit craters are located along an ENE-WSW line, with volcanism migrating to the west. More than 50 eruptions, typically consisting of small-to-moderate explosive activity, have been recorded since the end of the 18th century; no lava flows outside the summit craters have been reported in historical time.
### Merapi, Indonesia
**7.54°S, 110.446°E | Summit elev. 2910 m**
The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 8-14 January. The SW lava dome produced pyroclastic flows or avalanches of material that descended the flanks on most days. The seismic network detected a pyroclastic flow on 8 January. At 1548 on 9 January a pyroclastic flow traveled 1 km down the flanks though weather conditions mostly obscured views. During 10-11 January there were 5-6 daily avalanches of material that traveled as far as 2 km down the Sat/Putih drainage on the W flank. On 13 January the seismic network detected two pyroclastic flows; one occurred at 0329 and descended the flanks around 1 km. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 3-7 km away from the summit, based on location.
**Geological summary:** Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, lies in one of the world’s most densely populated areas and dominates the landscape immediately north of the major city of Yogyakarta. It is the youngest and southernmost of a volcanic chain extending NNW to Ungaran volcano. Growth of Old Merapi during the Pleistocene ended with major edifice collapse perhaps about 2,000 years ago, leaving a large arcuate scarp cutting the eroded older Batulawang volcano. Subsequent growth of the steep-sided Young Merapi edifice, its upper part unvegetated due to frequent activity, began SW of the earlier collapse scarp. Pyroclastic flows and lahars accompanying growth and collapse of the steep-sided active summit lava dome have devastated cultivated lands on the western-to-southern flanks and caused many fatalities.
### Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia
**4.892°N, 75.324°W | Summit elev. 5279 m**
The Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales reported that eruptive activity at Nevado del Ruiz continued during 6-12 January, though weather conditions sometimes obscured visual observations. Seismic data indicated that events associated with fluid movement increased in both number and intensity compared to the previous week. There were no confirmed ash emissions associated with the signals, though weather clouds often obscured views. Gas-and-steam emissions rose as high as 900 m above the summit and drifted in various directions. Seismicity associated with rock fracturing increased in both number and intensity compared to the previous week. The earthquakes were mainly located at depths less than 6 km below Arenas Crater and below the flanks within 5 km. The largest earthquake, a M 1.2, was located 1 km ENE at a depth of 3 km. Daily sulfur dioxide emissions fluctuated at low levels. Low-level thermal anomalies at the bottom of the crater were periodically identified in satellite images. The Alert Level remained at Yellow (the second level on a four-level scale).
**Geological summary:** Nevado del Ruiz is a broad, glacier-covered volcano in central Colombia that covers more than 200 km2. Three major edifices, composed of andesitic and dacitic lavas and andesitic pyroclastics, have been constructed since the beginning of the Pleistocene. The modern cone consists of a broad cluster of lava domes built within the caldera of an older edifice. The 1-km-wide, 240-m-deep Arenas crater occupies the summit. The prominent La Olleta pyroclastic cone located on the SW flank may also have been active in historical time. Steep headwalls of massive landslides cut the flanks. Melting of its summit icecap during historical eruptions, which date back to the 16th century, has resulted in devastating lahars, including one in 1985 that was South America’s deadliest eruption.
### Purace, Colombia
**2.3095°N, 76.3948°W | Summit elev. 4650 m**
The Servicio Geologico Colombiano (SGC) reported continuing eruptive activity at Puracé during 7-14 January. Seismicity was characterized by pulses of tremor, long-period signals indicating fluid movement, and periods of continuous tremor. The seismicity was located at depths of less than 1 km and was related to internal movement of gases as well as emissions. Low-magnitude seismic activity associated with rock fracturing processes was mainly located beneath Piocollo volcano at depths of 1-3 km and beneath the NE flank of the Puracé volcano at depths of 2-3 km. Sulfur dioxide emissions were detected in satellite data. Elevated temperatures in the crater area, possibly associated with the emissions of hot gases, continued to be detected but decreased during the end of the week. Gas-and-ash emissions during 8 and 11-12 January were visible in webcam images rising 800-1,600 m above the summit and drifting NE and NW; weather conditions sometimes obscured views. At 1346 on 12 January high amounts of rainfall on areas of ash deposits produced a secondary lahar in the NE sector of the Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga volcano chain. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) and the public was warned to stay away from the crater.
**Geological summary:** Puracé is an active andesitic volcano with a 600-m-diameter summit crater at the NW end of the Los Coconucos Volcanic Chain. This volcanic complex includes nine composite and five monogenetic volcanoes, extending from the Puracé crater more than 6 km SE to the summit of Pan de Azúcar stratovolcano. The dacitic massif which the complex is built on extends about 13 km NW-SE and 10 km NE-SW. Frequent small to moderate explosive eruptions reported since 1816 CE have modified the morphology of the summit crater, with the largest eruptions in 1849, 1869, and 1885.
### Reventador, Ecuador
**0.077°S, 77.656°W | Summit elev. 3562 m**
The Instituto GeofĂsico-Escuela PolitĂ©cnica Nacional (IG-EPN) reported that eruptive activity at Reventador continued at a high level during 7-14 January. Seismicity included 63-83 daily explosions, long-period earthquakes, harmonic tremor, and tremor associated with emissions during 10-13 January; seismic data was not available during the first part of the week due to transmission problems. Ash-and-gas plumes were not visible in webcam images due to weather conditions but were identified in satellite images on most days, rising as high as 1.7 km above the crater rim and drifting in multiple directions. SecretarĂa de GestiĂłn de Riesgos (SGR) maintained the Alert Level at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
**Geological summary:** Volcán El Reventador is the most frequently active of a chain of Ecuadorian volcanoes in the Cordillera Real, well east of the principal volcanic axis. The forested, dominantly andesitic stratovolcano has 4-km-wide avalanche scarp open to the E formed by edifice collapse. A young, unvegetated, cone rises from the amphitheater floor to a height comparable to the rim. It has been the source of numerous lava flows as well as explosive eruptions visible from Quito, about 90 km ESE. Frequent lahars in this region of heavy rainfall have left extensive deposits on the scarp slope. The largest recorded eruption took place in 2002, producing a 17-km-high eruption column, pyroclastic flows that traveled up to 8 km, and lava flows from summit and flank vents.
### Sangay, Ecuador
**2.005°S, 78.341°W | Summit elev. 5286 m**
The Instituto GeofĂsico-Escuela PolitĂ©cnica Nacional (IG-EPN) reported that the eruption continued at Sangay during 7-14 January. The seismic network recorded 91-165 daily explosions during 11-13 January; seismic data was not available during the first part of the week due to transmission problems. Ash-and-gas plumes were not visible in webcam images due to weather conditions, but were identified in satellite images on most days, rising as high as 2 km above the crater rim and drifting in multiple directions. Crater incandescence was visible during dark hours during 9-10 and 12-13 January. The SecretarĂa de GestiĂłn de Riesgos (SGR) maintained the Alert Level at Yellow (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
**Geological summary:** The isolated Sangay volcano, located east of the Andean crest, is the southernmost of Ecuador’s volcanoes and its most active. The steep-sided, glacier-covered, dominantly andesitic volcano grew within the open calderas of two previous edifices which were destroyed by collapse to the east, producing large debris avalanches that reached the Amazonian lowlands. The modern edifice dates back to at least 14,000 years ago. It towers above the tropical jungle on the east side; on the other sides flat plains of ash have been eroded by heavy rains into steep-walled canyons up to 600 m deep. The earliest report of an eruption was in 1628. Almost continuous eruptions were reported from 1728 until 1916, and again from 1934 to the present. The almost constant activity has caused frequent changes to the morphology of the summit crater complex.
### Santa Maria, Guatemala
**14.757°N, 91.552°W | Summit elev. 3745 m**
The Instituto Nacional de SismologĂa, VulcanologĂa, MeteorologĂa e HidrologĂa (INSIVUMEH) reported high levels of ongoing eruptive activity at Santa Maria’s Santiaguito dome complex during 7-14 January, with continuing lava extrusion at Caliente dome. Daily explosions, 1-3 per hour when reported, generated gas-and-ash plumes that rose 700-800 m above the dome and drifted as far as 20 km W and SW. Effusion of blocky lava and collapses of incandescent material sometimes produced incandescent block avalanches that descended the W and SW flanks. Collapsed material occasionally produced short pyroclastic flows that descended the SW, S, and NE flanks, reaching the base of the cone. Ashfall was reported in areas downwind including San Marcos Palajunoj (8 km SW) and Loma Linda (7 km W) on a few of the days.
**Geological summary:** Symmetrical, forest-covered Santa MarĂa volcano is part of a chain of large stratovolcanoes that rise above the Pacific coastal plain of Guatemala. The sharp-topped, conical profile is cut on the SW flank by a 1.5-km-wide crater. The oval-shaped crater extends from just below the summit to the lower flank, and was formed during a catastrophic eruption in 1902. The renowned Plinian eruption of 1902 that devastated much of SW Guatemala followed a long repose period after construction of the large basaltic andesite stratovolcano. The massive dacitic Santiaguito lava-dome complex has been growing at the base of the 1902 crater since 1922. Compound dome growth at Santiaguito has occurred episodically from four vents, with activity progressing E towards the most recent, Caliente. Dome growth has been accompanied by almost continuous minor explosions, with periodic lava extrusion, larger explosions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars.
### Semeru, Indonesia
**8.108°S, 112.922°E | Summit elev. 3657 m**
The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that activity continued at Semeru during 8-14 January, with daily eruptive events recorded by the seismic network. White-and-gray or gray ash plumes were observed daily rising 400-2,000 m above the summit and drifting in multiple directions. Minor incandescence at the summit on the upper SE flank was visible in some nighttime webcam images. The Alert Level remained at 3 (the second lowest level on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay at least 5 km away from the summit in all directions, 13 km from the summit on the SE flank along the Kobokan drainage, and 500 m from the banks of the Kobokan drainage as far as 17 km SE of the summit.
**Geological summary:** Semeru, the highest volcano on Java, and one of its most active, lies at the southern end of a volcanic massif extending north to the Tengger caldera. The steep-sided volcano, also referred to as Mahameru (Great Mountain), rises above coastal plains to the south. Gunung Semeru was constructed south of the overlapping Ajek-ajek and Jambangan calderas. A line of lake-filled maars was constructed along a N-S trend cutting through the summit, and cinder cones and lava domes occupy the eastern and NE flanks. Summit topography is complicated by the shifting of craters from NW to SE. Frequent 19th and 20th century eruptions were dominated by small-to-moderate explosions from the summit crater, with occasional lava flows and larger explosive eruptions accompanied by pyroclastic flows that have reached the lower flanks of the volcano.
### Sheveluch, Russia
**56.653°N, 161.36°E | Summit elev. 3283 m**
The Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported continuing eruptive activity at Sheveluch’s “300 years of RAS” dome on the SW flank of Old Sheveluch and at the Young Sheveluch dome during 1-13 January. A daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Dates are based on UTC; specific events are in local time where noted.
**Geological summary:** The high, isolated massif of Sheveluch volcano (also spelled Shiveluch) rises above the lowlands NNE of the Kliuchevskaya volcano group. The 1,300 km3 andesitic volcano is one of Kamchatka’s largest and most active volcanic structures, with at least 60 large eruptions during the Holocene. The summit of roughly 65,000-year-old Stary Shiveluch is truncated by a broad 9-km-wide late-Pleistocene caldera breached to the south. Many lava domes occur on its outer flanks. The Molodoy Shiveluch lava dome complex was constructed during the Holocene within the large open caldera; Holocene lava dome extrusion also took place on the flanks of Stary Shiveluch. Widespread tephra layers from these eruptions have provided valuable time markers for dating volcanic events in Kamchatka. Frequent collapses of dome complexes, most recently in 1964, have produced debris avalanches whose deposits cover much of the floor of the breached caldera.
### Suwanosejima, Japan
**29.638°N, 129.714°E | Summit elev. 796 m**
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that eruptive activity at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater continued during 2-9 January. Incandescence was observed nightly in webcam images. An eruptive event at 2254 on 6 January generated an ash plume that rose 1.2 km above the crater rim and drifted SE. The Alert Level remained at 2 (the second level on a five-level scale) and the public was warned to be cautious within 1.5 km of the crater.
**Geological summary:** The 8-km-long island of Suwanosejima in the northern Ryukyu Islands consists of an andesitic stratovolcano with two active summit craters. The summit is truncated by a large breached crater extending to the sea on the E flank that was formed by edifice collapse. One of Japan’s most frequently active volcanoes, it was in a state of intermittent Strombolian activity from Otake, the NE summit crater, between 1949 and 1996, after which periods of inactivity lengthened. The largest recorded eruption took place in 1813-14, when thick scoria deposits covered residential areas, and the SW crater produced two lava flows that reached the western coast. At the end of the eruption the summit of Otake collapsed, forming a large debris avalanche and creating an open collapse scarp extending to the eastern coast. The island remained uninhabited for about 70 years after the 1813-1814 eruption. Lava flows reached the eastern coast of the island in 1884. Only about 50 people live on the island.
### Taal, Philippines
**14.0106°N, 120.9975°E | Summit elev. 311 m**
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported eruptive activity at Taal during 7-14 January. The seismic network recorded 0-5 daily volcanic earthquakes on most days, though 20 volcanic earthquakes were recorded on 10 January. Two periods of volcanic tremor lasting 2 and 4 minutes were recorded on 9 January, a period of continuous tremor was detected during 11-13 January, and a two-minute long period was recorded on 13 January. Daily gas-and-steam emissions were generally diffuse and rose as high as 500 m above the crater rim and drifted SW and SSW. One minor phreatomagmatic event occurred at 1911 on 9 January, lasted four minutes, and produced a plume that rose 900 m above the crater rim and drifted SW. The event was preceded by a six-minute long signal recorded by the Calauit Observation Station (VTCT) on the SE part of Volcano Island. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5); PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island (TVI) was a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and recommended that the Main Crater and areas along the Daang Kastila fissure should remain prohibited. Pilots were warned to avoid flying over TVI.
**Geological summary:** Taal is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has produced some powerful eruptions. The 15 x 20 km Talisay (Taal) caldera is largely filled by Lake Taal, whose 267 km2 surface lies only 3 m above sea level. The maximum depth of the lake is 160 m, with several submerged eruptive centers. The 5-km-wide Volcano Island in north-central Lake Taal is the location of all observed eruptions. The island is composed of coalescing small stratovolcanoes, tuff rings, and scoria cones. Powerful pyroclastic flows and surges have caused many fatalities.
### Ubinas, Peru
**16.345°S, 70.8972°W | Summit elev. 5608 m**
The Instituto GeofĂsico del PerĂş (IGP) reported that a lahar carrying blocks descended the Volcánmayo drainage on the SE flank of Ubinas at 1745 on 14 January. The public was warned to stay away from the drainage and to avoid driving on the Querapi-Ubinas-Huarina highway. The Alert Level remained at Green (the lowest level on a four-color scale).
**Geological summary:** The truncated appearance of Ubinas, Perú’s most active volcano, is a result of a 1.4-km-wide crater at the summit. It is the northernmost of three young volcanoes located along a regional structural lineament about 50 km behind the main volcanic front. The growth and destruction of Ubinas I was followed by construction of Ubinas II beginning in the mid-Pleistocene. The upper slopes of the andesitic-to-rhyolitic Ubinas II stratovolcano are composed primarily of andesitic and trachyandesitic lava flows and steepen to nearly 45°. The steep-walled, 150-m-deep summit crater contains an ash cone with a 500-m-wide funnel-shaped vent that is 200 m deep. Debris-avalanche deposits from the collapse of the SE flank about 3,700 years ago extend 10 km from the volcano. Widespread Plinian pumice-fall deposits include one from about 1,000 years ago. Holocene lava flows are visible on the flanks, but activity documented since the 16th century has consisted of intermittent minor-to-moderate explosive eruptions.
References:
1 Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey Weekly Volcanic Activity Report – GVP – January 8-14, 2026 – Managing Editor: Sally Sennert
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##### Teo Blašković
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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