Multiple volcanoes across the globe are exhibiting increased activity, with eruptions reported in the Philippines, Indonesia, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Vanuatu as of March 20, 2026. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is closely monitoring Kanlaon, Mayon, and Taal volcanoes, while authorities in other nations are also tracking significant unrest.
Kanlaon volcano in the central Philippines continues to erupt, with plumes reaching 500 meters above the vent, according to PHIVOLCS. The alert level remains at 2, indicating a moderate level of unrest. PHIVOLCS reported the ongoing eruption on March 19, 2026.
Mayon volcano, also in the Philippines, is exhibiting increased activity. Lava flows currently extend 3.8 km in the Basud Gully, 3.2 km in the Bonga Gully, and 1.3 km in the Mi-isi Gully. Short-lived lava fountaining and minor Strombolian activity have been observed, along with 412 rockfalls. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,132 tonnes per day on March 19, 2026. The alert level for Mayon is at 3, signifying an increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption.
Taal volcano, located on Luzon Island, is also erupting, though at a lower level of unrest, with an alert level of 1. PHIVOLCS reported the continued eruption on March 19, 2026.
Further afield, Ibu volcano in Halmahera, Indonesia, continues to experience explosive activity. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported 105 explosions on March 19, 2026, maintaining the alert level at 2, designated as “Alert.”
Several other Indonesian volcanoes are also under observation. Lewotobi and Lewotolo are both at alert level 2, with reported explosions and ash plumes. Merapi and Semeru are at alert level 3 (“Standby”), with reported explosions, rockfalls, and gas plumes. Tambora is also at alert level 2.
In Central America, Fuego volcano in Guatemala is experiencing ongoing explosive activity, with ash plumes reaching up to 15,000 feet. Sangay volcano in Ecuador also continues to erupt, with 137 explosions reported on March 19, 2026, and incandescent rockfalls. Reventador in Ecuador remains at an orange alert level 3.
South American activity also includes Sabancaya in Peru, which reported one explosion on March 19, 2026, and remains at an orange alert level.
Across the Pacific, Piton de la Fournaise in La Réunion is showing increasing activity, with elevated lava effusion and volcanic tremor. Aoba volcano in Vanuatu is experiencing a continuous low-level eruption.
Elsewhere, Popocatépetl in Mexico is also erupting, and volcanic ash advisories have been issued for volcanoes in Iceland, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands.
Leave a Reply