Increased earthquake activity and signs of magma movement beneath Kīlauea’s summit, detected on January 31, 2024, have prompted the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to elevate the volcano’s alert level from ADVISORY/YELLOW to WATCH/ORANGE. With over 500 earthquakes recorded since midnight and ground deformation indicating pressurized magma chambers, the risk of an eruption remains high.
Þorvaldur Þórðarson, a volcanology professor at the University of Iceland, suggests that recent earthquakes in the Reykjanes Peninsula could indicate magma accumulation under Húsfellsbruna, raising concerns about potential lava flows near Reykjavík.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory reported a continuous slow eruption of lava in the summit crater of Great Sitkin Volcano as of 19:30 UTC on January 30, 2024. The Aviation Color Code remains at Orange and Alert Level at Watch.
In recent days, Svartsengi, Iceland, has experienced accelerated land rise, reaching up to 8 mm (0.3 inches) daily, attributed to magma accumulation under the area. While seismic activity remains mild, the risk assessment for Grindavík has been downgraded to orange, with a continued high risk for crack collapse.
New activity/unrest was reported for 4 volcanoes from January 17 to 23, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 12 volcanoes.
A significant eruption occurred at Indonesia’s Merapi volcano at approximately 06:55 UTC (13:55 local time) on January 21, 2024, producing a large pyroclastic flow that reached about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the summit. The eruption caused a large ash cloud and panic but no fatalities or injuries have been reported. The Alert Level remains at 3 (on a scale of 1-4).
New activity/unrest was reported for 6 volcanoes from January 10 – 16, 2024. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 14 volcanoes.
Recent volcanic activity in the Svartsengi area has led to continuous land uplift, although the exact rate is still being determined through GNSS measurements. Around 200 earthquakes, the largest measuring M1.4, have been recorded near the magma conduit since yesterday. Despite a reduction in earthquake frequency, significant risks, including ground collapse, remain for the nearby Grindavík area.
Recent discoveries of new small mud volcanoes in Trinidad’s eastern region have prompted local authorities to prepare evacuation plans, following a small eruption in the Cascadoux Trace area last week. Three homes closest to the new mud volcanoes were already evacuated.
A day after a new volcanic eruption started near the evacuated city of Grindavik, Iceland, authorities are reporting a reduced flow of lava. While it’s unclear how long the eruption will last, they warn new cracks may be appearing on the surface within the city in the next few days.
