The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: May 7-13, 2026

New activity/unrest: Central Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea | Dukono, Indonesia | Kupreanof, United States | Lewotobi, Indonesia | Mayon, Philippines.

New activity/unrest

Central Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea

3.03°S, 147.78°E; Elev. -1,300 m

A new eruption began on 8 May in the Central Bismarck Sea, in an area about 82 km S of Rambutyo Island and 125 km SE of Manus Island, around 16 km SE of the approximated location of a submarine eruption detected by instruments in 1972. According to the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO), seismic events recorded on 31 March and 25 April were followed by a swarm with six events on 8 May, likely indicating the start of the eruption. Gas-and-steam plumes that sometimes appeared voluminous were visible in satellite data during 9-12 May rising as high as 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting W and NW. Plumes of discolored water were also observed drifting away from the origin point of the steam plumes. Infrared Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data triggered a small cluster of MODVOLC thermal alerts during 9-12 May. According to RVO, steam plumes were less vigorous during 13-14 May and drifted W and NW. Thermal anomalies (last detected on 12 May) and photos taken from a local fishing boat hinted at the formation of a shallow volcanic reef, though it was unconfirmed.

Geological summary: SOFAR signals resembling those produced at known submarine eruptions were recorded in January 1972 in the central Bismarck Sea (Johnson et al., 1981). The source of the signals was at the junction of two segments of the N margin of the South Bismarck plate. The more easterly of these segments is a transform fault, whereas the more westerly is an area of oblique active seafloor spreading. The signals were detected by a seismic station on nearby Manus Island, as well as at hydrophone stations on Wake and Midway Islands in the central Pacific.

Dukono, Indonesia

1.6992°N, 127.8783°E; Elev. 1,273 m

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that eruptive activity at Dukono’s Malupang Warirang Crater continued during 7-13 May, including a larger and deadly eruption on 8 May. Though weather conditions sometimes obscured views on 7 May white plumes were observed rising 200-600 m above the summit.

At 0741 on 8 May an eruption lasting 16 minutes and 7 seconds generated an ash plume that rose 10 km above the summit. The plume was mainly white-to-gray and black, dense, and drifted N. According to the Badan Nacional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB) around 18 people were on the flanks at the time of the larger eruption; search and rescue (SAR) teams safely evacuated 15 people, with three having injuries. Based on reports from those evacuated, two SAR teams searched for three missing people in their last known locations, though the efforts had to be halted a few times due to the continuing eruption. On 9 May one deceased person was found about 50 m from the crater rim and the next day two more deceased people were found 20-30 m from the crater rim; all three victims were covered by tephra.

Visibly was low following the eruption; the seismic network recorded 50 earthquakes indicating eruptive activity during 0800-1627 on 8 May and rumbling and booming was heard. On 9 and 10 May there were 92 and 63 eruptive events, respectively, producing ash plumes that rose as high as 3 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. One of the eruptive events, at 0157 on 9 May, ejected incandescent material above the crater rim based on reports from the observation post in Mamuya Village (8 km N). Ash emissions were characterized as ongoing from 0806 on 10 May to 1942 on 11 May; white-to-gray or gray-to-black ash plumes rose as high as 2.7 km above the crater rim and drifted in multiple directions. Weather conditions prevented visual confirmation. Ongoing white-and-gray ash emissions during 12-13 May generally rose as high as 2.2 km above the crater rim and drifted NW and W, though at 1445 on 12 May an ash plume rose 4.3 km above the crater rim and drifted NW. The Alert Level remained at Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 4 km away from the Malupang Warirang Crater. BNPB noted that the exclusion zone had been expanded from 3 to 4 km in December 2024 and on 17 April 2026 the local government prohibited issuing climbing permits.

Geological summary: The Dukono complex in northern Halmahera is on an edifice with a broad, low profile containing multiple peaks and overlapping craters. Almost continuous explosive eruptions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, have occurred since 1933. During a major eruption in 1550 CE, a lava flow filled in the strait between Halmahera and the Gunung Mamuya cone, 10 km NE. Malupang Wariang, 1 km SW of the summit crater complex, contains a 700 x 570 m crater that has also had reported eruptions.

Kupreanof, United States

56.011°N, 159.797°W; Elev. 1,895 m

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported that seismicity at Kupreanof began to increase in February. Multiple pulses of deep (greater than 20 km), low-frequency earthquakes were recorded in both early February and early March. Shallow seismicity increased in early April, with several earthquakes having magnitudes greater than 2. The largest events were M 3.1 recorded on 12 and 22 April. Seismicity during the second half of April and early May was characterized by intermittent shallow earthquakes, mostly less than M 2.5, along with occasional deep, low-frequency events. During 4 April-8 May sulfur dioxide emissions were identified in satellite data on eight occasions with emission rates of 100-1,000 tons per day (t/d). AVO noted that though gas emissions from a fumarolic field just W of the summit were typically persistent, sulfur dioxide emissions had never been detected in satellite data. Airborne gas surveys conducted by helicopter in 2019 and 2022 measured less than 100 t/d of sulfur dioxide emissions. The seismic and gas data indicated that magma had likely intruded at depth and migrated to shallower levels (less than 5 km), causing increased activity at the fumarole field. AVO raised the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory (the second level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code to Yellow (the second color on a four-color scale) at 0901 on 12 May.

Geological summary: Kupreanof is the largest and NE-most of a group of five relatively closely spaced Quaternary volcanic centers opposite Stepovak Bay. A debris flow or block-and-ash flow with possible juvenile fragments descended a late-Pleistocene valley south of the volcano. This stratovolcano displays vigorous fumarolic activity, and although a “grayish-brown ash horizon” extending 15 km was reported by a pilot in 1987 after emissions from a SSW-flank solfatara field, the cause of this event is uncertain.

Lewotobi, Indonesia

8.542°S, 122.775°E; Elev. 1,703 m

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) raised the Alert Level for Lewotobi Laki-laki to 3 (the second highest level on a scale of 1-4) at 1300 on 12 May due to increasing seismicity and ongoing deformation. The number of deep volcanic earthquakes (VA) increased and peaked at a rate of 21-32 events per day during 1-4 May, but by 10 May the rate had decreased to 8-12 events per day. The rate remained above baseline levels, which suggested that magma recharge at depth was ongoing. The number of non-harmonic tremor events also continued to be high, occurring at a rate of 17-27 events per day. These signals were indicative of continuously moving shallow fluids. Low-frequency (LF) earthquakes continued to be relatively infrequent. Overall, the seismicity showed that pressure at depth was beginning to elicit a response in the shallow subsurface zone. Surficial activity was low; rockfalls and gas emissions were detected on 2-3 and 6 May. White steam-and-gas plumes rose as high as 200 m above the crater rim. Solfataras were active on the NW part of the crater. Tiltmeter data showed continuing inflation and lateral deformation. The seismicity and deformation patterns were similar to those that preceded eruptive activity in 2024. The exclusion zone was increased to a radius of 5 km 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.

Mayon, Philippines

13.257°N, 123.685°E; Elev. 2,462 m

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the eruption at Mayon continued during 7-12 May, characterized by lava effusion, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), incandescent rockfalls, ash-and-gas plumes, and occasional minor Strombolian activity. Emissions were visible almost daily, rising as high as 1.3 km above the summit and drifting mainly WNW, W, WSW, and SW. Each day the seismic network recorded 290-350 rockfalls, 2-12 PDCs, and 11-35 volcanic earthquakes. The earthquake counts included 3-26 daily periods of volcanic tremor, each lasting between one minute to two hours and 13 minutes. Daily measurements of sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,295-2,785 tonnes per day. The lava flows did not advance in the Basud (E) and Bonga (SE) drainages, remaining 3.8 and 3.2 km long, respectively. New lava flows began filling the upper SW flank gully in the Mi-isi drainage, created by the large PDCs from collapses on 2 May. The lava-flow length alternated between 1.6 and 1.3 km long during 7-10 May as the flows collapsed or partially collapsed and advanced. A PDC from a lava flow collapse in the Bonga drainage occurred at 1428 on 8 May. A few short periods of lava fountaining were recorded during 8-9 and 12 May.

The number of evacuees was relatively stable; by 1800 on 11 May a total of 4,020 people (1,103 families) were staying in 12 evacuation shelters, and an additional 89 people (27 families) were staying with friends or relatives, according to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC). 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.

Ongoing activity

Aira, Japan

31.5772°N, 130.6589°E; Elev. 1,117 m

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported ongoing eruptive activity at Minamidake Crater (Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 4-11 May. Crater incandescence was visible in nighttime webcam images. An eruptive event at 0501 on 5 May generated an ash plume that rose 1.5 km above the crater rim. Later that day, at 1459, an ash plume rose 1.1 km above the crater rim and drifted NW. At 1615 on 8 May an explosive eruption produced ash plumes that rose as high as 3.5 km above the crater rim and drifted SE and ejected large blocks 1-1.3 km from the crater rim. A small pyroclastic flow descended the SE flank 600 m; the last time a pyroclastic flow occurred at Minamidake was 16 June 2018. Ashfall was reported in Kagoshima City (about 10 km W) and Tarumizu City (10 km SSE). Ash plumes from eruptive events at 1642 and at 1930 on 8 May rose 1.3 km and 2.4 km above the crater rim, respectively, and drifted SE. 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.

Ambae, Vanuatu

15.389°S, 167.835°E; Elev. 1,496 m

The Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) reported that intermittent ash-and-gas plumes from Ambae were identified in satellite and/or webcam images during 6-8 May rising 2.1-3 km (7,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting W and SW. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-5), and the public was warned to stay outside of Danger Zone B, defined as a 3-km radius around the active vents in Lake Voui, and to stay away from drainages during heavy rains.

Geological summary: The island of Ambae, also known as Aoba, is a massive 2,500 km3 basaltic shield that is the most voluminous volcano of the New Hebrides archipelago. A pronounced NE-SW-trending rift zone with numerous scoria cones gives the 16 x 38 km island an elongated form. A broad pyroclastic cone containing three crater lakes (Manaro Ngoru, Voui, and Manaro Lakua) is located at the summit within the youngest of at least two nested calderas, the largest of which is 6 km in diameter. That large central edifice is also called Manaro Voui or Lombenben volcano. Post-caldera explosive eruptions formed the summit craters about 360 years ago. A tuff cone was constructed within Lake Voui (or Vui) about 60 years later. The latest known flank eruption, about 300 years ago, destroyed the population of the Nduindui area near the western coast.

Bezymianny, Russia

55.972°N, 160.595°E; Elev. 2,882 m

The Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that a daily thermal anomaly over Bezymianny was identified in satellite images during 7-12 May. According to the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (FEB RAS) incandescence at the dome was visible during most nights in webcam images along with hot avalanches of material descending the SE flank. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-level scale). Dates are reported in UTC; specific events are in local time where noted.

Geological summary: The modern Bezymianny, much smaller than its massive neighbors Kamen and Kliuchevskoi on the Kamchatka Peninsula, was formed about 4,700 years ago over a late-Pleistocene lava-dome complex and an edifice built about 11,000-7,000 years ago. Three periods of intensified activity have occurred during the past 3,000 years. The latest period, which was preceded by a 1,000-year quiescence, began with the dramatic 1955-56 eruption. This eruption, similar to that of St. Helens in 1980, produced a large open crater that was formed by collapse of the summit and an associated lateral blast. Subsequent episodic but ongoing lava-dome growth, accompanied by intermittent explosive activity and pyroclastic flows, has largely filled the 1956 crater.

Great Sitkin, United States

52.076°N, 176.13°W; Elev. 1,740 m

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) reported that slow lava effusion continued to feed a thick flow in Great Sitkin’s summit crater during 7-13 May. Lava-dome growth and resulting rockfalls were concentrated at the E part of the flow. The rockfalls were recorded daily by the seismic network. Weather clouds often prevented webcam and satellite observations, though elevated surface temperatures were visible in satellite images during 8-9 May. 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; Elev. 1,357 m

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that activity at Ibu continued during 7-13 May, with daily eruptive events recorded by the seismic network. Gray ash plumes rose 400-600 m above the summit and drifted NE, NW, and SW; emissions were not visible on 8 May. 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; Elev. 2,422 m

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported continuing eruptive activity at Kanlaon during 7-12 May. The seismic network recorded 2-18 daily volcanic earthquakes; there was a 21-minute period of tremor recorded on 7 May. Sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from 410 to 4,081 tonnes per day. Daily volcanic emissions rose 200-700 m above the summit and drifted WSW, SW, and SE. There were three periods of ash emissions on 7 May and two periods on 11 May, lasting from seven minutes to one hour and 43 minutes.

PHIVOLCS noted that since 4 November 2024 incandescence from super-heated gas emissions had occasionally been detected in infrared and high-resolution webcams at the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory (8 km ESE). This type of activity increased in frequency on 13 April 2026, and at around 1900 on 10 May incandescence was visually observed unaided for the first time. The report noted that monitoring parameters had remained at around the same level since the last moderately explosive eruption on 15 March. 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; Elev. 1,222 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 7-13 May. Nighttime incandescence was persistent at the S vent and occasional flaming or bursts of large flames caused by the ignition of volcanic gases escaping the vent were also visible. Occasional flames at the N vent were visible during 6-7 May and incandescence at the vent was occasionally visible during the week. Scientists conducted a helicopter overflight on 12 May and observed lava ponds at shallow levels in both vents. During 12-13 May small spatter bursts occurred at the N vent. At 0845 on 13 May the Volcano Alert Level was raised to Watch (the second highest level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code was raised to Orange (the second highest 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; Elev. 1,816 m

The Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that lava flows at Krasheninnikov continued to effuse onto the ENE and E flanks of the Northern Cone during 7-12 May. A large daily thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images. According to the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) ash plumes were identified in satellite images during 11-12 May rising 2.7-3 km (9,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting ENE and NE. The Aviation Color Code remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale). Dates and times are provided in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC); events are in local time only 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).

Langila, Papua New Guinea

5.525°S, 148.42°E; Elev. 1,330 m

The Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) reported that an ash plume from Langila rose to 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW on 8 May based on satellite images.

Geological summary: Langila, one of the most active volcanoes of New Britain, consists of a group of four small overlapping composite basaltic-andesitic cones on the lower E flank of the extinct Talawe volcano in the Cape Gloucester area of NW New Britain. A rectangular, 2.5-km-long crater is breached widely to the SE; Langila was constructed NE of the breached crater of Talawe. An extensive lava field reaches the coast on the N and NE sides of Langila. Frequent mild-to-moderate explosive eruptions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, have been recorded since the 19th century from three active craters at the summit. The youngest and smallest crater (no. 3 crater) was formed in 1960 and has a diameter of 150 m.

Lewotolok, Indonesia

8.274°S, 123.508°E; Elev. 1,431 m

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported ongoing eruptive activity at Lewotolok during 7-12 May. Daily white plumes rose as high as 200 m above the summit and drifted SW, W, and NW. On 8 May white-and-gray plumes rose 50-100 m above the summit. Rumbling was reported on 7 and 11 May. 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.

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.

Merapi, Indonesia

7.54°S, 110.446°E; Elev. 2,910 m

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that the eruption at Merapi (on Java) continued during 7-13 May with occasional lava avalanches produced by the active lava dome on the upper SW flank. White plumes rose as high as 500 m above the summit on most days and drifted E, N, and W. There were 1-9 daily lava avalanches that traveled as far as 1.8 km down the Bebeng drainage (SW flank) during 7-9 and 12 May. One pyroclastic flow was detected by the seismic network on 9 May. There were nine and 13 lava avalanches recorded on 10 and 13 May, respectively, that traveled as far as 2 km down the Bebeng drainage (SW flank). 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.

Piton de la Fournaise, France

21.244°S, 55.708°E; Elev. 2,632 m

The Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (OVPF) lowered the Alert Level for Piton de la Fournaise to “Vigilance” (or a Yellow Alert) on 11 May. No volcanic activity had been observed since the end of the eruption on 12 April.

Geological summary: Piton de la Fournaise is a massive basaltic shield volcano on the French island of Réunion in the western Indian Ocean. Much of its more than 530,000-year history overlapped with eruptions of the deeply dissected Piton des Neiges shield volcano to the NW. Three scarps formed at about 250,000, 65,000, and less than 5,000 years ago by progressive eastward slumping, leaving large embayments open to the E and SE. Numerous pyroclastic cones are present on the floor of the scarps and their outer flanks. Most recorded eruptions have originated from the summit and flanks of Dolomieu, a 400-m-high lava shield that has grown within the youngest scarp, which is about 9 km wide and about 13 km from the western wall to the ocean on the E. More than 150 eruptions, most of which have produced fluid basaltic lava flows, have occurred since the 17th century. Eruptions in 1708, 1774, 1776, 1800, 1977, and 1986 originated from fissures outside the scarps.

Purace, Colombia

2.3095°N, 76.3948°W; Elev. 4,650 m

The Servicio Geologico Colombiano (SGC) reported ongoing low-level eruptive activity at Puracé during 5-11 May. Seismic activity associated with rock fracturing processes was mainly located beneath Piocollo and Puracé volcanoes at depths of 1-3 km; the level of seismicity was similar to the previous week. Sulfur dioxide emissions from fissures in Curiquinga and Piocollo volcanoes and a thermal anomaly continued to be detected in satellite images. Continuous tremor levels associated with fluid movement and emissions increased, with signals located beneath the Puracé and Piocollo volcanoes at depths less than 3 km. Gas-and-ash emissions rose as high as 2 km above the summit and drifted NW. Residents reported occasional ashfall and strong sulfur odors in Casa del Cabildo in Puracé, the rural hamlets of Alto de Anambío, 20 de Julio, Cristales, and Loma Linda (Puracé municipality), as well as from the city of Popayán. Notably, an ash emission was recorded in a webcam image at 1720 on 8 May. The Alert Level remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale).

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.

Sabancaya, Peru

15.787°S, 71.857°W; Elev. 5,960 m

The Instituto Geofísico del Perú’s (IGP) Centro Vulcanológico Nacional (CENVUL) reported continuing eruptive activity at Sabancaya during 4-10 May. The seismic network detected 53 seismic events related to the movement of magmatic fluids and additional earthquakes indicating rock fracturing. No explosions were recorded. Gas, steam, and ash plumes periodically rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim and drifted NE and NW. Thermal anomalies at the bottom of the crater were identified in satellite images. 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.

Semeru, Indonesia

8.108°S, 112.922°E; Elev. 3,657 m

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that activity continued at Semeru during 29 April-6 May, with daily eruptive events recorded by the seismic network. Daily white-to-gray or gray ash plumes were visible rising 600-1,200 m above the summit that were mainly drifting multiple directions. 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; Elev. 3,283 m

The Kamchatkan Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported continuing eruptive activity at the lava domes along the N crater floor of Young Sheveluch (on the SW flank of Old Sheveluch) during 7-12 May. Growth continued along the N part of the main lava dome. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on most days; weather clouds occasionally obscured views. According to the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (FEB RAS) incandescence at the dome and descending hot avalanches of material on the dome’s flank were visible in webcam images on 11 May. 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.

Taal, Philippines

14.0106°N, 120.9975°E; Elev. 311 m

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported eruptive activity at Taal during 6-13 May. The seismic network recorded 2-19 daily volcanic earthquakes; the counts included 1-5 periods of tremor, each lasting 1-23 minutes, during 7-11 May. Daily diffuse gas-and-steam emissions rose as high as 600 m above the crater rim and occasionally drifted WSW and SW. A minor phreatic eruption began at 0446 on 8 May, lasted for six minutes, and produced eruption plumes that rose 300 m. 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.

References:

¹ Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey Weekly Volcanic Activity Report – GVP – May 7-13, 2026 – Managing Editor: Sally Sennert

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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