The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: July 5 – 11, 2023
New activity/unrest was reported for 12 volcanoes. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 11 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.
Moderately strong M6.8 solar flare erupts from the NE limb of the Sun
A moderately strong solar flare measuring M6.8 erupted from a region located on the northeastern limb of the Sun at 18:08 UTC on July 11, 2023. The event started at 17:51 and ended at 18:16 UTC.
Intensity of the eruption in Iceland decreased, new fissures may open rapidly
Since its onset at 16:40 UTC on Monday, July 10, 2023, the eruption near Litli-Hrútur mountain on the Reykjanes Peninsula has seen a significant drop in intensity, with fewer and smaller lava fountains now compared to the initial stages.
Catastrophic flooding paralyzes Northeast U.S., New York declares state of emergency
A slow-moving storm system dumped more than 250 mm (10 inches) of rain over the state of New York on July 9, 2023, causing catastrophic flooding. The deluge led to at least one confirmed death in Highlands, Orange County, and triggered a state of emergency in both Orange and Ontario counties.
Strong and shallow M6.6 earthquake hits north of Antigua and Barbuda
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.6 hit north of Antigua and Barbuda, Atlantic Ocean at 20:28 UTC on July 10, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
Volcanic eruption starts just northwest of Litli Hrutur, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland
After 6 days of intense seismicity between Fagradalsfjall and Keilir, Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland, a new volcanic eruption has started just northwest of Litli Hrutur at around 17:00 UTC on July 10, 2023.
GPS and InSAR records strongly suggest magma is migrating toward the surface between Fagradalsfjall and Keilir, Iceland
Since the onset of the seismic swarm in the Reykjanes Peninsula, on July 4, 2023, more than 8 500 earthquakes have been recorded in the area between Fagradalsfjall and Keilir. While seismic activity in this area is decreasing, deformation data strongly suggests that magma is rising toward the surface.
Unusually strong earthquake swarm at Eldey volcano, Aviation Color Code raised to Yellow, Iceland
Shortly before midnight on July 6, 2023, a seismic sequence commenced close to Eldey Island on Reykjanes Ridge, approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) southwest off of Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland. As a result, the Aviation Color Code was raised to Yellow.
Destructive lahars descend down the slopes of Semeru volcano, Indonesia
10 days of continuous rainfall caused a large amount of volcanic material, debris and water to move down the slopes of the Semeru volcano on July 7, 2023, leading to destructive overflows and severe damage.
Raging flash floods hit Zaragoza, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and crops, Spain
Hailstorms and torrential rain caused widespread flooding and significant damage in Zaragoza, Spain, on July 6, 2023. The extreme weather trapped people in their homes and cars, damaged infrastructure, and severely impacted the region’s agricultural sector.
