Multiple volcanoes across the globe are exhibiting heightened activity, prompting alerts from international monitoring agencies. As of Thursday, March 19, 2026, significant unrest has been reported in Russia, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and several countries in Central and South America.
Shiveluch Volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia continues to experience explosive activity. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Tokyo has issued warnings regarding a volcanic ash plume reaching an estimated altitude of 36,000 feet (11,000 meters) and drifting eastward at 30 knots, according to a report time-stamped 19/1120Z. Satellite imagery continuously observes the volcanic ash.
In Japan, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reports continued unrest at Kusatsu-Shirane, maintaining an alert level of “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater” as of March 18, 2026.
The Philippines are experiencing activity at three volcanoes. Kanlaon volcano remains at a “2 – Moderate Level of Volcanic Unrest,” with eruptions continuing as of March 18, 2026, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Taal volcano is also erupting, but at a “1 – Low-Level Unrest.” Mayon volcano is also erupting, with VAAC Tokyo reporting an eruption at FL090 on March 19, 2026, at 1600Z. PHIVOLCS reports lava effusion from Mayon’s summit crater, with lava flows extending 3.8 km in the Basud Gully, 3.2 km in the Bonga Gully, and 1.3 km in the Mi-isi Gully. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 4,352 tonnes per day on March 18. The alert level for Mayon is “3 – Increased Tendency Towards Hazardous Eruption.”
Indonesia is monitoring several active volcanoes. Ibu volcano is at “Level 2 – Alert,” although Tambora, Lewotobi, Lewotolo, Merapi, Semeru, Marapi, and Dukono are all at “Level 2 – Alert” or “Level 3 – Standby,” according to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG). Lewotobi is emitting ash plumes up to 9,000 feet (2,700 meters).
Elsewhere, Aoba volcano in Vanuatu has prompted a volcanic ash advisory, though details regarding the eruption are currently unknown. In Mexico, Popocatépetl remains at a “Yellow Alert – Phase 2,” with ongoing gas and vapor emissions reported by the Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED). In Ecuador, Sangay and Reventador continue to exhibit explosive activity, with ash plumes reaching altitudes of 21,000 feet (6,400 meters) and 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) respectively. Sabancaya in Peru is also at an “Orange” alert level. Finally, Piton de la Fournaise in La Réunion continues its effusive eruption, with a lava delta extending 85 meters into the ocean, though authorities warn of the health risks associated with hydrochloric acid gas produced by the interaction of lava and seawater.
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