The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: January 1 – 7, 2025
New activity/unrest was reported for 6 volcanoes from January 1 to 7, 2025. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 21 volcanoes.
Increased seismic activity suggests magmatic intrusion beneath Grjótárvatn, Iceland
Seismic activity near Grjótárvatn has increased with a tremor episode on January 2, 2025, indicating a potential deep magmatic intrusion. The IMO has reported earthquakes at depths of 15 to 20 km (9.3 to 12.4 miles) which suggests subsurface magma movement without surface deformation.
Over 80 000 people evacuating as seismic activity increases in Afar and Oromia, Ethiopia
The increase in seismic activity has prompted the relocation of approximately 80 000 residents to safer areas in Ethiopia’s Afar and Oromia regions.
Intense seismo-volcanic crisis near Dofen volcano forces thousands to evacuate, Ethiopia
A series of strong earthquakes, a newly opened volcanic vent, and the appearance of large cracks near the long-dormant Dofen volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region triggered the evacuation of thousands of people on January 4, 2025.
Powerful vent opens at Dofan volcano as seismic crisis hits Afar region, Ethiopia
A new vent opened at Dofan volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region, releasing powerful jets of steam, rocks, and mud on January 3, 2025. The development comes during a series of earthquakes recorded in the region since December 22 and raised concerns about a potential volcanic eruption — which would be the first on record.
Tourists escape unscathed as Raung volcano erupts during summit visit in Indonesia
A sudden eruption of Mount Raung startled a group of tourists hiking near its summit on December 24, 2024. The hikers managed to escape unharmed as ash plumes soared to a height of 8 km (26 000 feet) above sea level (a.s.l.).
Strong earthquakes near Fentale volcano spark eruption concerns, Ethiopia
A series of shallow earthquakes were recorded in recent days near the Fentale volcano in Ethiopia’s Main Ethiopian Rift region, raising concerns about a potential volcanic eruption. The last eruption at this volcano took place in 1820.
Eruption intensifies at Kilauea volcano with vigorous lava fountains, Hawai’i
Volcanic activity at Kilauea transitioned to a more vigorous phase at 04:00 UTC on December 29, 2024, with lava fountains rising 20 to 30 m (60 to 100 feet) high and covering 20% of the Halema’uma’u floor.
Toddler narrowly escapes cliff fall during ongoing Kilauea eruption, Hawai’i
Kilauea volcano in Hawai’i has resumed its eruptive activity after a second pause on December 26, 2024, with lava flows confined to the Halema’uma’u region. Park officials urged caution after a toddler narrowly avoided a fatal fall from a 120 m (400 feet) cliff while visiting the site on December 23.
Eruption at Home Reef volcano drives significant lava lobe growth, Tonga
The formation of 75 000 m2 (807 300 feet2) lava lobe has been observed at the Home Reef volcano between December 4 and 15, 2024.
