The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: July 9-15, 2026

New activity/unrest: Bagana, Papua New Guinea | Etna, Italy | Kanlaon, Philippines | Krakatau, Indonesia | Kuchinoerabujima, Japan.

New activity/unrest

Bagana, Papua New Guinea

6.137°S, 155.196°E; Elev. 1,855 m

The Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) reported that ash plumes from Bagana were visible in satellite images rising to 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting S and SSE on 14 July. A strong thermal anomaly was also identified.

Geological summary: Bagana volcano, in a remote portion of central Bougainville Island, is frequently active. This massive symmetrical cone was largely constructed by an accumulation of viscous andesitic lava flows. The entire edifice could have been constructed in about 300 years at its present rate of lava production. Eruptive activity is characterized by non-explosive effusion of viscous lava that maintains a small lava dome in the summit crater, although occasional explosive activity produces pyroclastic flows. Lava flows with tongue-shaped lobes up to 50 m thick and prominent levees descend the flanks on all sides.

Etna, Italy

37.748°N, 14.999°E; Elev. 3,357 m

The Sezione di Catania – Osservatorio Etneo (INGV) reported eruptive activity at Etna’s summit craters during 6-12 July characterized by activity along the fissure between Voragine Crater (VOR) and Northeast Crater (NEC) and explosive activity at both NEC and Bocca Nuova Crater (BN). Strombolian activity and ash emissions at vents along the fissure began to decrease during the afternoon of 6 July and ceased during the early afternoon of 7 July. During the rest of the week gas emissions rose from the fissure and the pit crater on the upper E flank of VOR. Explosive activity and gas emissions continued at NEC. INGV staff conducted a field survey on 11 July and observed modest intra-crater explosive activity at BN with ejected tephra falling back into the crater. Minor and episodic ash emissions rose from the crater and rapidly dissipated. The Alert Level remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-level scale) according to the Dipartimento della Protezione Civile.

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.

Kanlaon, Philippines

10.4096°N, 123.13°E; Elev. 2,422 m

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that a moderately explosive eruption at Kanlaon began at 0733 on 9 July and lasted for three minutes based on seismic and acoustic data. Webcams views of the eruption were obscured by weather clouds, but a dense grayish ash plume was estimated to have risen 2-3 km above the summit based on photos taken from greater distances. Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descended the upper SE flanks at least 1 km, but were also not clearly visible. Reports on social media indicated that angular rock fragments up to 30 cm in diameter were ejected within 5 km, impacting parts of Canlaon City (10 km ESE), Negros Oriental. The ejected ballistics represented the farthest reach of ballistic fragments since the 3 June 2024 eruption. A shockwave produced a booming or rumbling sound, heard up to 35 km away, that registered as a maximum of 255 pascals by an infrasound station about 5 km E. The eruption was preceded by relatively moderate levels of seismic activity, intermittent ash emission at the summit crater, and sustained rates of volcanic gas emissions. Sulfur dioxide emissions rates on 8 July averaged 2,454 tonnes per day (t/d), near the long-term average of 2,577 t/d recorded since 3 June 2024, but higher than the average of 1,544 t/d recorded since 1 January 2026.

Tephra fell within a long, narrow swath to the E in at least 31 barangays in 12 municipalities and seven cities of three provinces. In Canlaon City, Vallehermoso (20 km ESE), and San Carlos City (32 km ENE) (all in Negros Oriental) the barangays of Mabigo (10 km SE), Malaiba (7 km ENE), Bapor Mayon, Macapso (21 km E), and Buluangan (21 km E) reported “heavy” ashfall, Pula and Masulog (8 km SE) reported “heavy” ashfall and ballistic blocks, and Masulog also reported lapilli fall. Ballistic rocks reportedly punctured holes through galvanized metal roofs in Masulog, Canlaon City. Moderate or uncharacterized amounts of ashfall were noted in Mabigo (10 km SE), Bayog, Panubigan (11 km E), Linothangan (8 km SE), Tagbino (16 km ESE), and Maglahos (16 km E), with trace amounts reported in Ninoy Aquino (12 km ENE) and Lumapao (8 km NE). Residents reported a sulfur odor that in some cases caused severe respiratory and eye irritation. Trace amounts of ashfall also affected several barangays in Cebu Province, including in the municipalities/cities of Toledo City (56 km E), Compostela (97 km ENE), Barili (52 km SE), Balamban (65 km ENE), Talisay City (78 km ESE), Minglanilla (75 km ESE), Pinamungahan (52 km ESE), Lapu-Lapu City (92 km E), Asturias (73 km ENE), Aloguinsan (50 km SE), City of Naga (73 km ESE), San Fernando (70 km SE), Cordova (92 km ESE), Dumanjug (52 km SE), and Consolacion (91 km E).

According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were 23 people (eight families) staying in two evacuation shelters by 1800 on 11 July. By 1800 on 14 July 67 people (16 families) were staying in two evacuation shelters, and 3,543 people (1,101 families) were staying with relatives or friends.

The seismic network recorded 0-8 daily volcanic earthquakes during 10-15 July and 26 on 15 July. Sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from 679 to 1,652 t/d. Volcanic emissions were mostly obscured, though plumes rose 200-500 m above the crater rim and drifted E and SE during 13-15 July. 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.

Krakatau, Indonesia

6.1009°S, 105.4233°E; Elev. 285 m

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that an eruption at Krakatau continued during 9-15 July. White, gray, and black ash plumes rose as high as 400 m above the summit and drifted NW, N, and NE during 9-10 July. Incandescence was visible at night on 11 July. White-and-gray ash plumes rose 100-200 m above the summit during 11-12 and 15 July. Only white plumes rising 50-100 m were visible during 13-14 July. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 3 km away from the active crater.

Geological summary: The renowned Krakatau (frequently misnamed as Krakatoa) volcano lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Collapse of an older edifice, perhaps in 416 or 535 CE, formed a 7-km-wide caldera. Remnants of that volcano are preserved in Verlaten and Lang Islands; subsequently the Rakata, Danan, and Perbuwatan cones were formed, coalescing to create the pre-1883 Krakatau Island. Caldera collapse during the catastrophic 1883 eruption destroyed Danan and Perbuwatan, and left only a remnant of Rakata. This eruption caused more than 36,000 fatalities, most as a result of tsunamis that swept the adjacent coastlines of Sumatra and Java. Pyroclastic surges traveled 40 km across the Sunda Strait and reached the Sumatra coast. After a quiescence of less than a half century, the post-collapse cone of Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) was constructed within the 1883 caldera at a point between the former Danan and Perbuwatan cones. Anak Krakatau has been the site of frequent eruptions since 1927.

Kuchinoerabujima, Japan

30.443°N, 130.217°E; Elev. 657 m

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the number of shallow volcanic earthquakes beneath an area near Kuchinoerabujima’s Furudake Crater had been fluctuating since May. The number of shallow volcanic earthquakes began increasing at around 0100 on 9 July and by 0215 the seismic network had recorded a total of 11 events. There were no changes to emissions with white plumes rising as high as 200 m above the Shindake crater rim and no emissions visible at Furudake. Sulfur dioxide emissions remained low, averaging less than 100 tons per day on 8 July. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 1-5) at 0225; the public was warned that ejected blocks may land within 1 km of both craters, and pyroclastic flows may affect areas within 2 km of the W flank of Shindake Crater. Seismicity declined with no volcanic earthquakes recorded from 0400 on 9 July to 1600 on 10 July.

Geological summary: A group of young stratovolcanoes forms the eastern end of the irregularly shaped island of Kuchinoerabujima in the northern Ryukyu Islands, 15 km W of Yakushima. The Furudake, Shindake, and Noikeyama cones were erupted from south to north, respectively, forming a composite cone with multiple craters. All historical eruptions have occurred from Shindake, although a lava flow from the S flank of Furudake that reached the coast has a very fresh morphology. Frequent explosive eruptions have taken place from Shindake since 1840; the largest of these was in December 1933. Several villages on the 4 x 12 km island are located within a few kilometers of the active crater and have suffered damage from eruptions.

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 6-13 July. A very small eruptive event was detected on 7 July. Volcanologists conducted a field survey that same day and measured extremely high sulfur dioxide emissions, averaging 3.000 tons per day. Crater incandescence was visible in webcam images that night. Eruptive events at 1657 and 1847 on 12 July produced ash plumes that rose 1.7 and 1 km above the crater rim, respectively. On 13 July continuous ash emissions during 0244-0320 rose as high as 1 km above the crater rim and drifted NE. An eruptive event later that day at 1052 generated an ash plume that rose 1.7 km above the crater rim and drifted N. 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 ash-and-gas plumes at Ambae were visible in satellite and webcam views rising 1.5-3 km (5,000-10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifting multiple directions during 8-10 and 15 July. 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.

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 continued during 9-15 July. Daily white-to-gray ash plumes rose 100-600 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. At 0702 on 15 July a white-and-gray ash plume rose 2.3 km above the summit and drifted N and 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.

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.

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 8-15 July. Seismicity was minor and likely associated with rockfalls on the growing dome. Steaming was visible in satellite images during 8-9 July, and elevated surface temperatures were identified almost every day. 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.

Home Reef, Tonga

18.992°S, 174.775°W; Elev. -10 m

The Tonga Geological Services reported that no volcanic activity was detected at Home Reef during 1 April-14 July. Satellite images showed minor shoreline changes, small fumarolic plumes, and weak thermal activity. Discolored water surrounding the island was visible in a 6 June satellite image.

Geological summary: Home Reef, a submarine volcano midway between Metis Shoal and Late Island in the central Tonga islands, was first reported active in the mid-19th century, when an ephemeral island formed. An eruption in 1984 produced a 12-km-high eruption plume, large amounts of floating pumice, and an ephemeral 500 x 1,500 m island, with cliffs 30-50 m high that enclosed a water-filled crater. In 2006 an island-forming eruption produced widespread dacitic pumice rafts that drifted as far as Australia. Another island was built during a September-October 2022 eruption.

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 9-15 July, with daily eruptive events recorded by the seismic network. Daily gray or white-to-gray ash plumes rose 200-900 m above the summit and drifted SW, N, and NE. Incandescence at the summit was visible in some 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.

Karangetang, Indonesia

2.781°N, 125.407°E; Elev. 1,797 m

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) and a news source reported that an eruption occurred at Karangetang’s Kawah Dua (North Crater) at 1914 on 12 July. Weak Strombolian activity ejected incandescent material around 100 m above the summit, followed by a booming sound that ejected incandescent material about 300 m to the SSW. Lava flows and/or incandescent material descended 700-1,000 m to the S and NNW, and 400 m to the WSW. The hot ejected material caused vegetation fires on the upper flanks that was extinguished by the morning of 13 July according to a news source. PVMBG noted that incandescence at the summits of both Kawah Dua and Kawah Utama (South Crater, also referred to as the “Main Crater”) was visible overnight during 12-13 July. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was advised to stay 1.5 km away from both craters, with an extension to 2.5 km on the W and SW flanks of Main Crater.

Geological summary: Karangetang (Api Siau) volcano lies at the northern end of the island of Siau, about 125 km NNE of the NE-most point of Sulawesi. The stratovolcano contains five summit craters along a N-S line. It is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, with more than 40 eruptions recorded since 1675 and many additional small eruptions that were not documented (Neumann van Padang, 1951). Twentieth-century eruptions have included frequent explosive activity sometimes accompanied by pyroclastic flows and lahars. Lava dome growth has occurred in the summit craters; collapse of lava flow fronts have produced pyroclastic flows.

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 8-15 July. Variable intensities of incandescence persisted at both the S and N vents. Spattering started at the N vent at around 0000 on 11 July and was nearly continuous until 0700. Accumulating spatter built up a small cone around the vent. Spattering periodically occurred at the S vent during the same morning. A small amount of lava overflowed the vent at 0703. Occasional flaming occurred at both vents during 12-14 July and weak spattering at the N vent was visible overnight during 13-14 July.

Lava overflowed the N vent four times during 1500-1600 on 14 July, with the longest overflow lasting 30 minutes. HVO raised the Volcano Alert Level to Watch (the second highest level on a four-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code to Orange (the second highest color on a four-color scale) at 1529. Lava overflowed the S vent at 0208 and 0232 on 15 July, each lasting five minutes. Short overflows from the N vent at 0427 and 0442 were immediately followed by the onset of a vigorous overflow at 0447 and 3-10 m high dome fountains. Activity transitioned into higher fountaining at around 0830, peaking at 290 m tall by 1030. The lava fountain produced significant heat and ash, feeding an eruption plume that rose as high as 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW based on radar data and webcam images. The plume drifted SW, though winds pushed the upper parts of the plume to the NW after 1000. Tephra fell in closed areas of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and very minor amounts of Pele’s hair was reported at the Kaʻu Desert trail head along Highway 11. The plume gradually decreased in height to 120 m and the eruption plume rose to 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. by 1640. The episode ended at 1646, after 8.3 hours of continuous fountaining from the N vent. The last 2-3 minutes were marked by gas jetting at the same vent. The average effusion rate was 150 cubic meters per second; the highest peak was 280 cubic meters per second, occurring at around 1030. An estimated 5.1 million cubic meters of lava erupted and covered about 50 percent of the Halema’uma’u Crater floor. The S vent did not produce a fountain, but instead emitted jets of gas and flames. At 1706 the Volcano Alert Level was lowered to Advisory and the Aviation Color Code was lowered to Yellow.

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 8-15 July. A daily bright thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images. Plumes of re-suspended ash drifted 60 km SSE during 11-12 July. 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).

Lewotobi, Indonesia

8.542°S, 122.775°E; Elev. 1,703 m

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that eruptive activity continued at Lewotobi Laki-Laki during 9-15 July. Multiple daily gray ash plumes rose 200-1,200 m above the summit and drifted W, NW, N, and NE. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to stay 5 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; Elev. 1,431 m

The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported ongoing eruptive activity at Lewotolok during 9-15 July. Daily white plumes rose as high as 300 m above the summit. White-and-gray ash plumes rose 300 m above the summit on 10 July. Nighttime webcam images often showed incandescent material being ejected above the summit and onto the flanks; incandescent material was ejected 400 m SE on 10 and 12 July. 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.

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 9-15 July, characterized by lava effusion, periodic pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), incandescent rockfalls, occasional ash-and-gas plumes, and occasional minor Strombolian activity. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,589 tonnes per day (t/d) on 8 July. The seismic network recorded 144, 75, and 241 rockfalls on 8, 9, and 10 July, respectively. Plumes drifted SE and ESE on 8 July; views were obscured during 9-10 July.

On 10 July, the 186th consecutive day of the eruption, a special notice stated that there was a recent decline in the number of both daily rockfalls and PDCs, indicating a decreased lava effusion rate. Notably, sulfur dioxide emissions (measured using campaign spectrometry methods) increased, averaging 4,569 t/d on 9 July and 7,475 t/d on 10 July, which was the highest emission recorded in the last 16 years. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to rise and peaked at 13,128 t/d on 11 July, the highest recorded in the last 26 years, and only slightly lower that the gas emissions detected during an explosive eruption in 2000. There was a corresponding rise in the number of low-frequency earthquakes attributed to the increased gas emissions, minor Strombolian activity, and increased rockfalls; the seismic network recorded a total of 125 volcanic earthquakes and 344 rockfalls. On 12 July sulfur dioxide emissions declined to 5,842 t/d, and there were 299 rockfalls and 92 volcanic earthquakes. Minor Strombolian activity was recorded by a webcam during 1658-1700. A few short periods of lava fountaining were recorded during 12-13 July. Seismicity intensified during 13-14 July; on 13 July there were 249 volcanic earthquakes including 20 periods of volcanic tremor, each lasting 1-18 minutes and on 14 July there were 187 volcanic earthquakes including 43 periods of tremor, each lasting 5-45 minutes. The number of rockfalls and PDCs on 13 July were 285 and 17, respectively, and on 14 July were 398 and 10, respectively. Volcanic plumes rose as high as 1.2 km above the summit and drifted NE, ENE, and SSE. A total of 168 volcanic earthquakes were recorded on 15 July, including 13 periods of volcanic tremor lasting 1-11 minutes. A total of 293 rockfalls and 15 PDCs were also recorded. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 8,050 t/d and eruption plumes rose as high as 1.8 km above the summit and drifted SSW. 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.

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 9-15 July with daily lava avalanches produced by the active lava dome on the upper SW flank. There were 6-23 daily lava avalanches that traveled as far as 2 km down the Sat/Putih or Krasak drainages on the W flank during 9-12 and 14-15 July. As many as 25 lava avalanches descended the Boyong drainage (S flank) as far as 2 km on 13 July. One pyroclastic flow each day traveled 2 km down the Sat/Putih drainage on 10 July and 2 km down the Boyong drainage on 13 July. 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.

Popocatepetl, Mexico

19.023°N, 98.622°W; Elev. 5,393 m

The Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED) reported that eruptive activity was low at Popocatépetl during 8-15 July. The seismic network recorded 17-196 long-period events per day, accompanied by steam-and-gas emissions and occasional ash that drifted NW, W, and WSW. On 13 July there was a moderate explosion and a period of continuous emissions lasting six hours and 46 minutes. Minor ashfall was reported in the municipalities of San Pedro Nezapa (13 km NW), Shallianquixco (18 km NW), and San Diego Huehuecalco (16 km NW), and at the Amecameca Municipal Headquarters (20 km NW). Early on 14 July there was a period of continuous emissions lasting nearly four hours, including an explosion at 0444 that ejected incandescent material onto the upper flanks. According to the Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) ash plumes visible in webcam and/or satellite images during 12-14 July rose 6.1-7.3 km (20,000-24,000 ft) a.s.l. (as high as 1.9 km above the summit) and drifted WNW, W, and WSW. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, Phase Two (the middle level on a three-color scale) and the public was warned to stay 12 km away from the crater.

Geological summary: Volcán Popocatépetl, whose name is the Aztec word for smoking mountain, rises 70 km SE of Mexico City to form North America’s 2nd-highest volcano. The glacier-clad stratovolcano contains a steep-walled, 400 x 600 m wide crater. The generally symmetrical volcano is modified by the sharp-peaked Ventorrillo on the NW, a remnant of an earlier volcano. At least three previous major cones were destroyed by gravitational failure during the Pleistocene, producing massive debris-avalanche deposits covering broad areas to the south. The modern volcano was constructed south of the late-Pleistocene to Holocene El Fraile cone. Three major Plinian eruptions, the most recent of which took place about 800 CE, have occurred since the mid-Holocene, accompanied by pyroclastic flows and voluminous lahars that swept basins below the volcano. Frequent historical eruptions, first recorded in Aztec codices, have occurred since Pre-Columbian time.

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 7-13 July. Seismic activity associated with rock fracturing processes continued at similar levels compared to the previous week with signals mainly located between Piocollo and Puracé volcanoes at depths of 1-3 km and magnitudes below 1. A thermal anomaly continued to be detected in satellite images within the crater of Puracé and Curiquinga and in the fumarolic field along the outer rim of Puracé. Sulfur dioxide emissions persisted and slow deformation continued between Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga volcanoes. Signals associated with fluid movement and emissions were ongoing from beneath Puracé at depths less than 3 km. Gas-and-ash emissions were less frequent than the previous week. The plumes rose as high as 500 m above the summit and drifted NW and W. 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.

Reventador, Ecuador

0.077°S, 77.656°W; Elev. 3,562 m

The Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN) reported that eruptive activity at Reventador continued at a high level during 8-15 July. Seismicity included 64-88 daily explosions, long-period earthquakes, harmonic tremor, and tremor associated with emissions. Weather clouds often obscured webcam and satellite views, though on a few days ash-and-gas plumes were visible generally rising 700-1,300 m above the crater rim and drifting NNE, NW, and WNW. During 14-15 July several gas-and-ash plumes visible in both webcam and satellite images rose 700-1,500 m above the crater rim and drifted W, WNW, and NW. Incandescent blocks were also visible during morning hours rolling as far as 1 km down the flanks. Secretaría de Gestión 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.

Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica

10.8314°N, 85.3364°W; Elev. 1,729 m

The Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica-Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA) reported minor eruptive events at Rincón de la Vieja during 9-15 July. Seismic and infrasound sensors recorded three eruptive events on 11 July that produced low-level steam-and-gas plumes of unknown heights. A resident that lives to the N reported heavy rain in the region that same day and that starting around 1900 water in the Azul and Pénjamo rivers turned milky gray. A moderate eruption at 0337 on 12 July produced a steam-and-gas plume of an unknown height. Seismic and acoustic sensors recorded eruptive activity during 1424-1428 on 14 July. On 15 July residents observed sediment deposits at the Azul River likely caused by ashfall from day before. The Alert Level remained at Level 2, Yellow, the second lowest level on a four-level scale.

Geological summary: Rincón de la Vieja is a volcanic complex in the Guanacaste Range of NW Costa Rica. Sometimes referred to as the Rincon de la Vieja-Santa María Volcanic Complex, it consists of a slightly arcuate 20-km-long ridge of 12 craters and pyroclastic cones constructed within the 15-km-wide early Pleistocene Guachipelín caldera, whose rim is exposed on the south side. Sometimes known as the “Colossus of Guanacaste,” it has an estimated volume of 130 km3 and contains at least nine major eruptive centers. The Santa María cone, the highest peak of the complex, is located on the E side of the ridge and has a lake within the 400-m-diameter crater. A Plinian eruption producing the 0.25 km3 Río Blanca tephra about 3,500 years ago was the last major magmatic eruption. All subsequent eruptions, including numerous reported eruptions possibly dating back to the 16th century, have been from the active crater, near the center of the complex, with an acidic 300-m-diameter lake.

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 6-12 July. The seismic network detected 45 seismic events related to the movement of magmatic fluids, along with additional earthquakes indicating rock fracturing. Gas, steam, and ash plumes periodically rose as high as 800 m above the crater rim and drifted less than 10 km NE, N, and NW. Thermal anomalies on the crater floor were identified in satellite images and moderate sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 649 tons per day. 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.

Sangay, Ecuador

2.005°S, 78.341°W; Elev. 5,286 m

The Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN) reported that the eruption continued at Sangay during 8-15 July. Surficial activity was characterized as decreasing. The seismic network recorded 10-35 daily explosions. Weather conditions obscured webcam and satellite views. The Secretaría de Gestión 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.

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 9-15 July, with daily eruptive events recorded by the seismic network. White-to-gray ash plumes rose 500-1,300 m above the summit and drifted in multiple directions on most days; there were no visual observations of plumes on 11 July. 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 Jonggring Saloko Crater 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 lava effusion and explosive activity at the lava domes along the N crater floor of Young Sheveluch (on the SW flank of Old Sheveluch) during 9-15 July. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on most days; weather clouds obscured views on a few days. Explosions at 2143 on 9 July generated ash plumes that rose 10 km (32,800 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 30 km E, prompting KVERT to raise the Aviation Color Code (ACC) to Red (the highest level on a four-color scale) at 2239. No additional explosions were detected over the next several hours, prompting KVERT to lower the ACC to Orange at 0521 on 10 July. The ash cloud from the day before was 440 x 62 km and located 885 km SW. An explosive event that began at 0525 on 14 July produced ash plumes that rose 10.5 km (34,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 145 km ESE; the ACC was raised to Red at 0743. No additional explosions were recorded throughout the day; the ACC was lowered to Orange at 2251. The ash plume had drifted 1,100 km SE. 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.

Stromboli, Italy

38.789°N, 15.213°E; Elev. 924 m

The Sezione di Catania – Osservatorio Etneo (INGV) reported that eruptive activity continued at Stromboli during 6-12 July. Webcam images showed Strombolian activity from vents in Area N within the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco, and vents in Area C-S (South-Central Crater) on the crater terrace. The vents in Area N produced low- to medium-intensity explosions, ejecting lapilli and bombs above the vents. Some spattering was visible. Explosions at vents in Area C-S were low-to-moderate in intensity and frequency and ejected fine tephra above the vents. The Alert Level remained at Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-level scale) according to the Dipartimento della Protezione Civile.

Geological summary: Spectacular incandescent nighttime explosions at Stromboli have long attracted visitors to the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean” in the NE Aeolian Islands. This volcano has lent its name to the frequent mild explosive activity that has characterized its eruptions throughout much of historical time. The small island is the emergent summit of a volcano that grew in two main eruptive cycles, the last of which formed the western portion of the island. The Neostromboli eruptive period took place between about 13,000 and 5,000 years ago. The active summit vents are located at the head of the Sciara del Fuoco, a prominent scarp that formed about 5,000 years ago due to a series of slope failures which extends to below sea level. The modern volcano has been constructed within this scarp, which funnels pyroclastic ejecta and lava flows to the NW. Essentially continuous mild Strombolian explosions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, have been recorded for more than a millennium.

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 8-15 July. The seismic network recorded 0-4 daily volcanic earthquakes, and periods of volcanic tremor that lasted for one minute on 12 July and nine minutes on 15 July. Daily gas-and-steam emissions generally rose as high as 600 m above the crater rim and drifted E and SW, though on 12 July emissions rose up to 1.2 km and drifted NE and NNE. A minor phreatomagmatic eruption occurred on 12 July and lasted for three minutes. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 59 and 289 tonnes per day on 14 and 15 July, respectively. 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 – July 9-15, 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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