Corrosive ash fallout from the massive eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano last year has triggered a series of power outages on Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, beginning September 2022. Tonga Power, the island’s electricity provider, has termed the situation a “crisis” due to the unprecedented damage to the High Voltage Aerial Bundled Cabling across the island.
Rapid land elevation near Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano indicated the formation of a new magma chamber, prompting warnings of a potential volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the weeks or months to come. The Icelandic Meteorological Office urged caution, especially for those planning outdoor activities in the region.
Significant activity was reported at Russia’s Bezymianny volcano from 19:00 to 20:30 UTC on October 16, 2023. Large hot avalanches collapsed on the eastern slopes, and an ash plume reached a height of 3.5 km a.s.l. The Aviation Color Code was elevated from Yellow to Orange.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 ± 0.3 was recorded in Campi Flegrei, Italy, at 12:36 UTC on October 16, 2023, initiating a new earthquake swarm. The event comes amid rising concerns over the area’s seismic activity.
The Yasur volcano on Tanna Island, Vanuatu is experiencing a sustained high activity level, with recent satellite data revealing significant gas and ash emissions. Powerful eruptions ejecting rocks and volcanic bombs have been reported, posing serious risks to the local populace and visitors.
New activity/unrest was reported for 4 volcanoes from October 4 to 10, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 17 volcanoes.
The Italian government is exploring the potential evacuation of tens of thousands of residents living near the Campi Flegrei supervolcano, 20 km (12.5 miles) from Naples, following over 1 100 earthquakes in the area within a month. The announcement was made on Thursday, October 5, 2023, and further measures are set to be discussed in a cabinet meeting.
New activity/unrest was reported for 1 volcano from September 27 to October 3, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 21 volcanoes.
An ash cloud from Shishaldin Volcano reaching 12 km (40 000 feet) above sea level was observed in satellite data at 13:50 UTC on October 3, 2023.
PHIVOLCS maintains Alert Level 3 over the Mayon volcano, which means that it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest, and hazardous eruption within weeks or even days could still be possible.
