Eruptions

News about eruptions and volcanoes can be found in this category. It is updated frequently. Volcano expert and journalist Marc Szeglat reports live from his expeditions to volcanoes.

Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts volcanic ash 13 km high

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Lewotobi Laki-Laki Ejects Ash 13 Kilometres High – Lava Dome Partially Destroyed by Eruption

Maumere, July 8, 2025 – Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano remains highly active. Following a powerful eruption in the morning, another major explosion occurred at 7:32 p.m. WITA. The resulting ash plume rose 13,000 metres above the crater, reaching a total altitude of 14,584 metres above sea level. In addition to ash, incandescent tephra was ejected and blanketed large parts of the volcano’s flanks. Air traffic between Bali and Australia was once again disrupted by the volcanic ash cloud.

Seismic Activity Low Prior to the Eruption

Notably, the seismic activity prior to the eruption was minimal. According to the Indonesian volcanology agency (VSI), only two volcano-tectonic earthquakes, four low-frequency events, and seven strong degassing episodes were recorded between 6:00 p.m. and midnight WITA. At Lewotobi, even small seismic changes can sometimes signal an impending eruption—though there are also days with elevated activity that do not lead to explosive events.

Lava Dome in the Crater Long Overlooked – Private Drone Footage Offers New Insights

During quieter phases, a flat lava dome tends to form in the crater, gradually clogging the volcano’s vent system. This viscous lava plug had barely been addressed in official VSI reports until recently. Its existence became public knowledge thanks to drone footage shared by independent observer Mbah Lurah. His videos show the so-called “pancake dome,” though he refers to it simply as “frozen lava.” Images captured on July 6—just hours before the first major explosion—already show a thick lava flow escaping through a depression on the crater rim.

In earlier footage from June, dense steam clouds mostly obscured the crater floor. Only one frame revealed a faint red glow, suggesting ongoing dome growth. The work of independent drone operators like Mbah Lurah has become crucial, particularly given that no specific eruption warnings appear to have been issued by the local VSI observatory.

Eruptions Follow a Pattern – Forecasts Theoretically Possible

The explosive events follow a recognizable pattern: as the dome grows, it increasingly obstructs the vent, causing gas pressure in the system to build. Shortly before an eruption, degassing typically drops sharply—an indication that the system is nearly sealed. When an explosion does occur, part or all of the dome is blown out, sometimes triggering pyroclastic flows.

Although recent eruptions have shown little to no seismic precursors, in principle these patterns could allow for better forecasting. Improved monitoring would not only benefit the local population but also help mitigate disruptions to international air travel.

Pyroclastic Flows at Shinmoe-dake in Japan

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Kirishima Remains Active – Dangerous Pyroclastic Flows at Shinmoe-dake

Kagoshima, July 8, 2025 – The Shinmoe-dake crater, part of Japan’s Kirishima volcanic complex on Kyushu, continues to show intense volcanic activity. Ash plumes are rising several thousand meters into the sky, and multiple pyroclastic flows have been observed. These deadly currents pose a serious threat to anyone who enters the restricted zone around the volcano.

Pyroclastic Flows – Virtually Unsurvivable

Pyroclastic flows are fast-moving clouds of superheated gas, fine ash, and rock fragments. They race down volcanic slopes on a cushion of gas, often with little to no warning or sound. Depending on the steepness of the slope and the eruption’s intensity, they can travel at incredible speeds, leaving little chance for escape.

These flows typically form in one of three ways: the collapse of a large Plinian eruption column, the breakdown of a lava dome or the front of a viscous lava flow, or through lateral explosions. In addition to their speed, pyroclastic flows are extremely hot – often causing fatal burns not only to the skin but also to the lungs, leading to death by asphyxiation.

As such, pyroclastic flows are among the most dangerous hazards associated with volcanoes. To protect the public, a 3-kilometre exclusion zone has been established around Shinmoe-dake. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) estimates that the current flows can travel up to 2 kilometres, though significantly greater distances are possible during stronger eruptions. Recent photos from Sunday show a glowing cloud extending all the way to the base of the cone.

Activity Ongoing Since Late June – Pyroclastic Flows First Documented on Sunday

Shinmoe-dake entered its current active phase on June 22, with activity steadily intensifying since. On Saturday, ash plumes rose as high as 5,000 metres above the crater. The first pyroclastic flows were documented on Sunday afternoon, followed by additional flows on Monday. Poor weather has limited visibility today, but a webcam image from this morning suggests that another pyroclastic flow may have occurred.

Visitors are strongly urged to heed all warnings and avoid entering the restricted area. A safe and panoramic view of the volcano can be had from the 1,700-metre-high Karakuni-dake, the tallest peak within the Kirishima complex. Located about 3 kilometres northeast of Shinmoe-dake, it is still within range of modern drones—though their operation is, of course, legally limited to visual line-of-sight.

Signs the Eruption May Be Easing

Recent geophysical data show a slight contraction of the crater, likely due to increased ash emissions. It appears that less magma is currently rising from depth than is being expelled at the surface. This could indicate that the current eruptive phase may be nearing its end.

Lewotobi Laki-Laki: Flights Cancelled Due to Major Volcanic Eruption

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Powerful eruption at Lewotobi Laki-Laki – Ash cloud nearly 20 km high disrupts air traffic

Maumere, July 7, 2025 – A powerful explosion occurred today at 11:05 a.m. WITA at Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on the Indonesian island of Flores. Volcanic ash was ejected to an altitude of nearly 20 kilometres. A broad pyroclastic flow also formed and moved down the southern flank of the volcano. The high-reaching ash plume caused significant disruptions to air traffic. The VONA alert level has been raised to “Red.”

According to Indonesia’s volcanology agency (VSI), the ash cloud reached an altitude of 19,584 metres above sea level—an estimated 18,000 metres above the crater. However, the Darwin VAAC reported that satellite data detected volcanic ash at around 15,000 metres altitude.

This is the second time in four weeks that flights have been cancelled due to volcanic activity. Both regional flights and international connections between Bali and Australia have been affected. Virgin Australia confirmed that three outbound flights from Bali to Australia were cancelled. Details on disruptions to other airlines are not yet available.

Although a large pyroclastic flow accompanied the eruption, no casualties have been reported. Access to the volcano is prohibited, and a 6-kilometre exclusion zone is in place around Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s summit.

Lewotobi Laki-Laki forms a twin-volcano system with neighbouring Lewotobi Perempuan. The volcano has been intermittently active for nearly two years, producing frequent small eruptions and occasional large explosions such as today’s. However, not all eruptions are harmless: on November 4, 2024, at least ten people died when pyroclastic flows set fire to houses in a village near the volcano’s base.

Today’s eruption came with little warning. Seismic activity increased only slightly in the moments leading up to the explosion, according to VSI monitoring data.

Kirishima: Eruption at Shinmoe-dake caused flight cancellations

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Significant Increase in Volcanic Activity at Shinmoe-dake – Flight Cancellations Due to Ash Cloud

Shinmoe-dake, one of the most active volcanoes in the Kirishima complex on Kyushu, has shown a marked increase in explosive activity. According to a VONA report from VAAC Tokyo, the volcano ejected ash up to an altitude of approximately 7,300 meters. Carried southward by the wind, the ash cloud spread across a wide area. Ashfall was reported, affecting even Kagoshima Airport and leading to numerous flight cancellations.

The ash cloud drifted directly over the city of Kirishima, which lies south of the volcano but north of the outskirts of Kagoshima. The airport, situated between the two cities, is a key transport hub for southern Kyushu, with connections including routes to Tokyo. So far, 52 flights have been cancelled — affecting not only routes to the capital but also many regional connections. Particularly hard hit are the islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago, which are now fully dependent on ferry transport.

Many stranded passengers expressed surprise that their flights had been cancelled due to volcanic ash. However, in Japan, such natural events are often met with stoic acceptance and a calm resignation to fate.

Major eruption on Flores – ash cloud rises to 15 kilometers

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Lewotobi Laki-Laki: Powerful eruption sends ash 15 km high and triggers pyroclastic flows

On Tuesday at 17:35 local time (09:35 UTC), Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on Flores Island erupted violently. The Darwin VAAC reported an ash plume reaching up to 15 kilometers into the atmosphere, spreading over a wide area and remaining detectable 150 kilometers away.

According to the Indonesian disaster agency, the ash column rose 10,000 meters above the crater, approximately 11,584 meters above sea level. The eruption is ongoing, and authorities have raised the alert level to the maximum (IV).

Photos show multiple pyroclastic flows racing down the volcano’s flanks. Experts from the VSI warned of potential lahars if heavy rains occur, though the region is currently in its dry season.

Ashfall has been reported in all directions, particularly in the east and southeast. Residents were advised to wear masks and avoid the area.

Preparations for evacuation are underway. No casualties have been reported, but many locals are leaving nearby villages voluntarily.

Access to the volcano has been widely restricted. A 7-kilometer exclusion zone is in place, extending to 8 kilometers in the southwest-northeast sector.

Indonesia’s aviation authority issued a red alert for air traffic. Significant flight disruptions occurred, especially on routes between Australia and Bali, with numerous cancellations.

This eruption is part of a recent eruptive phase. Similar explosive activity was recorded in March, April, and May, each preceded by brief seismic crises.

Ol Doinyo Lengai: Thermal Anomaly Suggests Lava Overflow

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Thermal Anomaly at Ol Doinyo Lengai Suggests Lava Overflow

Tanzania’s Ol Doinyo Lengai, the world’s only active volcano erupting sodium-carbonatite lava, is showing signs of increased activity. A Sentinel satellite captured a significant thermal anomaly on May 27 that filled the entire summit crater—an unusual event for a volcano whose lava, at just 500–600°C, is too cool to glow visibly during the day.

Normally, small infrared hotspots hint at active hornitos—small lava vents—but the scale of this anomaly suggests a lava overflow, possibly triggered by the collapse of a hornito and the release of a lava pond across the crater floor.

Increased thermal signals have persisted in subsequent satellite imagery. These observations align with earlier geophysical data collected by an international team led by Sarah Stamps and Ntambila Daud of Virginia Tech. Since 2016, six GNSS stations installed around the volcano have monitored subtle ground deformation. Between March and December 2022, researchers detected rapid uplift, followed by steady elevation through August 2023. No deformation was recorded before or after, and modeling suggests the activity was caused by a shallow magmatic intrusion—potentially marking a phase of volcanic heating.

Despite these signs, on-site observations remain rare. Post-pandemic cost hikes have sharply reduced expeditions to the remote Rift Valley region. Even fewer eyewitness reports come from Nyamuragira volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where insecurity and conflict near Goma further hinder access. Nyamuragira remains far more active than Lengai, emitting thermal energy levels over 1,980 megawatts—compared to just single-digit values at Ol Doinyo Lengai.

Kīlauea: Eruption No. 24 Produces Spectacular Lava Fountain

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The 24th eruption episode has begun at Kilauea – lava fountain 300 m high

Hilo, June 5, 2025

Hawaiʻi’s Kīlauea volcano has erupted again: the 24th eruption of the current phase, ongoing since December 23, 2024, began overnight. A lava fountain over 300 meters high shot lava up to the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, while large lava flows now cover its entire floor.

The eruption started on June 4 at around 9:15 PM HST (07:15 UTC, June 5), with initial fountains reaching about 30 meters. By 10:27 PM HST, activity had intensified significantly, with fountains reaching 150 meters — and shortly after, exceeding 300 meters. The main activity is from the northern vent, while the southern vent is producing a smaller, 50-meter-high fountain.

Warning signs appeared in the afternoon, with intermittent lava spattering. A lava flow began shortly before the fountain activity — a typical paroxysmal pattern, also seen recently at Etna and Fuego.

Significant ground inflation of about 12 µRad was recorded after the previous eruption on May 26 — one of the highest values since episodic activity resumed, indicating a strong paroxysm with potential for further escalation.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. While there is currently no direct threat to the public, visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are strongly urged to stay within designated safety zones.

Fuego: Pyroclastic Flows During Intense Eruption

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Pyroclastic flows cause evacuations at Fuego

Antigua, June 5, 2025

Guatemala’s Fuego volcano experienced a paroxysmal eruption overnight, producing lava fountains up to 300 m high, lava flows, and several pyroclastic flows that reportedly reached near the base of the volcano.

The national volcano institute INSIVUMEH issued a warning in a Spanish-language bulletin, shared only as an image on social media — making translation difficult and limiting access to critical information, especially for foreign tourists. This reflects a broader global issue in emergency communication.

Later, the civil protection agency CONRED released a translatable bulletin confirming pyroclastic density currents in the Seca, Ceniza, and Las Lajas ravines. These were classified as weak to moderate but could intensify. Ashfall affected several towns west and northwest of the volcano, particularly Acatenango and San Pedro Yepocapa.

The situation remains critical in southern areas. Emergency teams are patrolling and monitoring local communities. Road RN 14 was closed due to the threat of pyroclastic flows crossing it.

CONRED urged the tourism authority INGUAT and local governments to restrict access to nearby Acatenango volcano. 500 residents were evacuated. Both residents and tourists were advised to stay informed and keep a 72-hour emergency bag ready in case evacuation becomes necessary.

Etna: Major Pyroclastic Flow on the Eastern Flank

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Pyroclastic Flow on the Eastern Flank of Etna – many people close to the eruption

Catania, June 2, 2025 – 11:45 AM

During Etna’s 14th eruptive phase — considered a mild paroxysm — a pyroclastic flow unexpectedly occurred at 11:24 AM CEST. It originated from the northeastern flank of the Southeast Crater and surged through the Valle del Bove, partially reaching the Valle del Leone.

The flow was likely triggered by the collapse of a lava flow or a section of the crater flank due to the ongoing activity. Pyroclastic flows on Etna often result from lava breaking through the cone’s sides, causing structural collapse.

Preliminary assessments suggest this was one of the largest pyroclastic flows ever observed at Etna. The INGV later stated the flow likely did not extend beyond the Valle del Leone’s boundary — crucial, as this ridge (Serra delle Concazze) is frequented by hikers.

Simultaneously, strombolian activity intensified into a lava fountain. It remains unclear whether a sudden pressure build-up caused the collapse or whether the collapse itself triggered explosive decompression of magma. Volcanic ash was detected at 6,400 m altitude, prompting a red alert from VAAC Toulouse.

Recent monitoring indicated magma accumulation beneath the Southeast Crater in a north-south trending zone. Previous eruptions had already revealed new vents on the northwest side, suggesting structural weakness.

This incident highlights the unpredictability and danger of volcanoes — and raises concerns about tourist safety. While access to Stromboli is strictly limited even during normal activity, visitors are transported by cable car and bus to within 300 m of Etna’s active craters — despite significantly higher eruption levels. A glaring safety gap that demands attention.

Eruption No. 8 Begins at Sundhnúkur

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Eruption and dyke formation at Sundhnúkur – Lava Flows Toward Grindavík

This morning at 9:47 a.m. local time (11:47 a.m. CEST), the anticipated volcanic eruption began on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. Once again, a fissure opened in the Sundhnúkur crater system—this time significantly farther south than in previous eruptions. The new fissure cuts through the protective barrier built north of Grindavík, and lava is now flowing toward the town.

Unlike the eruptions in the latter half of 2024, today’s event was preceded by a powerful earthquake swarm. Interestingly, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) had yet to update its shakemaps early this morning, suggesting the new data was not incorporated until office hours began. However, Icelandic media outlet MBL reported early signs of a magma intrusion underground. Initial earthquake data did not reflect unusual activity, leading some to briefly suspect an April Fool’s hoax—proof that even a date can be deceiving.

But the eruption is very real. Live camera footage shows that a new fissure has opened south of the volcanic ridge of Hagafell. The fissure is estimated to be about 500 meters long, though the lava fountains are currently less intense than in previous eruptions. Given that the eruption began just over an hour ago, the event may still be in its early stages and could intensify. Further fissures are also a possibility.

Grindavík was evacuated immediately as the seismic crisis began this morning, though eight residents reportedly refused to leave. As of this writing, the fissure has extended dangerously close to a greenhouse near the town. However, the main fissure appears to be expanding northward—away from Grindavík. The nearby Svartsengi geothermal plant is currently not under direct threat. Lava is primarily spreading toward Mount Þorbjörn.

According to the IMO, the magmatic dike driving this eruption is over 11 kilometers long, making it the largest intrusion of its kind since November 2023. Scientists believe that this may be more than just a release of previously accumulated magma. The intensity of seismic activity suggests that fresh magma from greater depths may also be rising to the surface.

As the situation evolves, authorities are monitoring the eruption closely, ready to respond to any changes in the lava flow direction or eruption intensity.