A destructive wildfire continues to engulf parts of Jasper National Park and the adjacent town of Jasper in Alberta, Canada, leading to extensive evacuations and significant structural damage. As of this morning, the fire, which started due to lightning, has destroyed an estimated 30 – 50 % of buildings in the area.
A short-lived, vigorous steam and gas plume was observed rising above the White Island volcano in New Zealand on July 26, 2024. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 (moderate to heightened unrest), and the Aviation Color Code remains Yellow.
In just several hours, the Park Fire in California exploded from a 162 ha (400 acres) fire to more than 58 750 ha (145 000 acres) massive inferno, consuming everything in its path. One person has been arrested on suspicion of starting the blaze.
New activity/unrest was reported for 8 volcanoes from July 17 to 23, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 15 volcanoes.
A hydrothermal explosion occurred in Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park at approximately 16:00 UTC on July 23, 2024.
A strong explosive eruption began at Bezymianny volcano, Kamchatka, Russia, at 15:10 UTC on July 24, 2024, ejecting ash up to 12 km (40 000 feet) above sea level.
Heavy downpours and thunderstorms continued to affect the southeastern United States, particularly Texas, resulting in severe flooding and road blockages. Governor Greg Abbott activated emergency response teams to mitigate flash flooding risks as the Guadalupe River in Kerrville reached flood levels for the first time since 2018.
A small hydrothermal explosion occurred in Yellowstone National Park in the Biscuit Basin thermal area at around 16:19 UTC (10:19 MST) on July 23, 2024.
Increased earthquake activity and ground deformation at Kīlauea’s upper East Rift Zone began at approximately 13:30 UTC (03:30 HST) on July 23, 2024, indicating likely magma movement in the subsurface. This activity has prompted Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to close areas that could put visitors and staff at risk if the volcano erupts.
Strong Strombolian activity that started at Etna’s Voragine crater at 15:45 UTC on July 22, 2024, increased around 01:00 UTC on July 23 and evolved into a new lava fountaining episode at 02:59 UTC.
