Deep M6.4 earthquake recorded in Tonga region
A deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit the Tonga region at 04:15 UTC on May 14, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 242 km (150 miles). EMSC is reporting 243 km (151 miles).
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M6.1 earthquake south of Crete, Greece prompts tsunami warning
A strong earthquake registered by the EMSC as M6.1 hit Crete, Greece, at 22:51 UTC on May 13, 2025 (00:51 local time, May 14) at a depth of 71 km (44 miles). USGS is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 74 km (46 miles).
Major X1.2 solar flare erupts from Sun’s west limb
A major solar flare measuring X1.2 erupted from Active Region 4086 at 15:38 UTC on May 13, 2025. The event started at 15:25 and ended at 15:44 UTC. This is the seventh X-class solar flare of the year and the first since March 28, tying for the third strongest with the X1.2 flare on January 3.
Ongoing ash emissions from White Island volcano impact local airspace, New Zealand
Persistent steam, gas, and minor volcanic ash emissions from Whakaari/White Island, New Zealand, have led to several flight cancellations over Tauranga on May 11 and 12, 2025.
Intense volcanic activity continues at Fuego volcano, Guatemala
Explosive eruptions continued at Guatemala’s Fuego volcano in recent days, producing ash plumes up to 4.8 km (15 750 feet) and incandescent material rising 100–300 m (330–980 feet) above the crater.
Shallow M5.6 earthquake hits southwest China’s Xizang region
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.6 hit southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region at 21:11 UTC on May 11, 2025 (05:11 local time on May 12). The agency is reporting a depth of 9 km (6 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Ground fissures damage homes and roads in Voutes, Crete
Significant ground fissures have emerged in the village of Voutes, near Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete, damaging homes, roads, and public infrastructure. The cracks, first observed on April 27, 2025, prompted an emergency response and the evacuation of multiple residences.
Multiple filament eruptions and CMEs observed, none Earth-directed
Four solar filament eruptions between May 6 and 7, 2025, produced fast-moving CMEs, all of which are expected to pass north or south of the Earth without impacting us. G1 – Minor storm conditions are likely on May 9 due to a combination of CH HSS and a possible glancing blow from a CME launched on May 5.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: April 30–May 6, 2025
New activity/unrest was reported for 6 volcanoes from April 30 to May 6, 2025. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 20 volcanoes.
Explosions and pyroclastic flows at Santa Maria volcano, Guatemala
High-level explosive activity at Santa María’s Santiaguito dome complex on May 6, 2025, produced ash plumes up to 900 m (2 950 feet) above the crater and pyroclastic flows down the southern and southwestern flanks.
