The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: January 10 – 16, 2024
New activity/unrest was reported for 6 volcanoes from January 10 – 16, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 14 volcanoes.
Teo Blašković founded The Watchers in 2011 and edited it until 2026, covering seismic and volcanic activity, extreme weather, space weather and near-Earth objects. Articles on this page are his archive.
Strong M6.4 earthquake hits Tonga
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit Tonga at 22:12 UTC on January 18, 2024 (11:12 LT, January 19). The agency is reporting a depth of 218 km (135 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Grindavik faces significant risk of ground collapse due to fissures, Iceland
Recent volcanic activity in the Svartsengi area has led to continuous land uplift, although the exact rate is still being determined through GNSS measurements. Around 200 earthquakes, the largest measuring M1.4, have been recorded near the magma conduit since yesterday. Despite a reduction in earthquake frequency, significant risks, including ground collapse, remain for the nearby Grindavík area.
Very bright daylight fireball over France and Spain
A very bright meteor was seen streaking through the early morning sky over France and Spain at 06:46 UTC on January 16, 2024.
Major coastal changes after M7.6 earthquake in Japan left 15 ports unusable, 58 damaged
The M7.6 earthquake that struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024, has caused significant changes in the coastal landscape, leaving at least 15 ports unusable and impacting local fisheries.
New mud volcanoes emerge in Trinidad, prompting evacuation plans
Recent discoveries of new small mud volcanoes in Trinidad’s eastern region have prompted local authorities to prepare evacuation plans, following a small eruption in the Cascadoux Trace area last week. Three homes closest to the new mud volcanoes were already evacuated.
Violent thunderstorms cause deadly floods in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Violent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall affecting KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, since January 12, 2024, have led to devastating floods, resulting in at least 11 fatalities and significant property damage in the Durban City area, particularly in eThekwini Municipality.
DR Congo declares hydrological and ecological catastrophe
Record flooding of the Congo River has resulted in a catastrophic situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), affecting 15 provinces, leading to over 300 deaths, and impacting at least 304 000 families.
Reduced power of eruption, but new cracks may be appearing within Grindavik, Iceland
A day after a new volcanic eruption started near the evacuated city of Grindavik, Iceland, authorities are reporting a reduced flow of lava. While it’s unclear how long the eruption will last, they warn new cracks may be appearing on the surface within the city in the next few days.
Destructive winds, severe flooding as Tropical Cyclone “Belal” makes a direct hit on Reunion
The eye of Tropical Cyclone “Belal” passed over the northern part of Reunion Island (population 870 000), shortly after 06:00 UTC on January 15, 2024, with maximum sustained winds of 148 km/h (92 mph), and gusts to 213 km/h (132 mph).
