The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: July 30–August 5, 2025
New activity/unrest was reported for 9 volcanoes from July 30 to August 5, 2025. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 22 volcanoes.
Rare tornado damages power infrastructure near Smidovich, Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Russia
A large tornado damaged several power transmission towers near Smidovich, Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Russia, on August 3, 2025, leaving local residents temporarily without power. Despite visual evidence, the event has not been officially confirmed as a tornado by regional authorities.
Over 400 pilgrims rescued as severe flash floods hit Kinner Kailash Yatra route, Himachal Pradesh
413 pilgrims were rescued by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) after a cloudburst triggered flash floods along the Kinner Kailash Yatra route in Himachal Pradesh, India on August 6, 2025. At least 194 people were killed across Himachal Pradesh since the onset of the monsoon season in June.
Extreme rainfall causes severe flooding in South Korea
An extreme rainfall event struck South Korea between August 3 and 4, 2025, triggering severe flooding across the southern regions of the country. Over 280 mm (11 inches) of rainfall was recorded in Muan in just 24 hours, with the hourly rainfall rates reaching over extreme 140 mm (6 inches) on August 4.
Klyuchevskoy volcano enters high-hazard phase, paroxysmal eruption forecast within 72 hours
Eruptive activity at Klyuchevskoy volcano intensified after M 8.8 earthquake on July 29, 2025, with a large lava flow descending the WSW flank, continuous lava fountaining, and a significant ash plume. Based on volcanic tremor data and current eruptive behavior, a paroxysmal eruption is considered likely within the next 72 hours.
Major wildfire burns over 13 000 ha (32 000 acres) in Aude, southern France, killing one and injuring nine
A fast‑moving wildfire burned 13 000 ha (32 100 acres) in the Aude department of southern France from August 5–6, 2025, killing one person, injuring nine others, and forcing evacuations across multiple communes. Civil Security said the fire is advancing at about 5 km/h (3 mph) and confirmed it was the most significant wildfire of the French summer season.
Hong Kong records highest August daily rainfall since 1884, four black warnings in 8 days
Hong Kong recorded its heaviest August daily rainfall since records began in 1884, with 355–359 mm (14–14.1 inches) measured by mid‑afternoon on August 5, 2025, prompting a black rainstorm warning that lasted more than 11 hours, the second‑longest on record.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires triggers air quality alerts in 10 U.S. states, 2025 nears second-worst year
Air quality alerts were issued across the U.S. Midwest and Northeast on Monday, August 4, 2025, and remain in effect on August 5, as over 740 wildfires burning across Canada send smoke to the U.S. Currently, 2025 is the third most destructive year for wildfires in Canada and is likely to become the second most destructive year surpassing 1989 when wildfires burned over 17 million acres of land across the country.
Isesaki breaks Japan’s all-time heat record with 41.8°C (107.2°F) on August 5
Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture recorded 41.8°C (107.2°F) at 14:26 LT on August 5, 2025, setting Japan’s highest temperature on record and marking the second time in one week that the national record was broken.
Floods kill one in Cleburne County, Alabama
Deadly floods struck Cleburne County, Alabama at around 04:44 local time on Sunday, August 3, 2025, claiming at least one life and prompting multiple rescues as floodwaters washed away vehicles.
