The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: January 15 – 21, 2025
New activity/unrest was reported for 9 volcanoes from January 15 – 21, 2025. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 13 volcanoes.
Increased seismicity detected at Kamaʻehuakanaloa volcano, Hawaii
A period of increased seismic activity was detected at the Kama’ehuakanaloa Seamount on January 21, 2025. While the exact cause remains undetermined, the seismic activity may be linked to magma movement beneath the volcano.
Volcanic ash emissions at Santa Maria reach 5 km (16 000 feet) a.s.l., Guatemala
Fresh volcanic ash emissions were observed from the Santa María volcano in Guatemala on January 21, 2025. The ash clouds reached an altitude of approximately 5 km (16 000 feet) above sea level (a.s.l.) and were carried westward at a speed of 18 km/h (11 mph). Residents in the San Marcos Palajunoj and San Martín Sacatepéquez areas may experience light ashfall, with further activity posing risks of long-range pyroclastic flows towards the southwest, south, and southeast.
Eruption at Purace volcano sends ash to 5.8 km (19 000 feet) a.s.l., ashfall reported in Coconuco and Purace, Colombia
A new eruption took place at Purace volcano in Colombia around 09:00 UTC on Monday, January 20, 2025, ejecting ash up to 5.8 km (19 000 feet) above sea level. Ashfall was reported in the municipalities of Coconuco and Purace in the department of Cauca. The last eruption at this volcano took place in 2023.
Seismic activity near Grjótárvatn increases, attributed to deep magmatic intrusion, Iceland
An M3.2 earthquake was recorded during the ongoing seismic activity near Grjótárvatn, Iceland, on January 16, 2025. It was the strongest event since August 2024. Nearly 100 earthquakes above M1 were recorded in January alone, matching the highest monthly count previously recorded in December 2024.
Lava surge at Erta Ale volcano reaches historic camp for first time in 20 years, Ethiopia
A surge of lava at Erta Ale volcano in Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression advanced to the camping huts on January 13, 2025, for the first time in 20 years. The effusive eruption remains at an elevated level.
The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: January 8 – 14, 2025
New activity/unrest was reported for 8 volcanoes from January 8 – 14, 2025. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 18 volcanoes.
Fourth eruptive episode at Kilauea volcano with lava fountains reaching 60 m (200 feet), Hawaii
The eruption at Kilauea volcano’s summit resumed at 09:15 LT (19:15 UTC) on January 15, 2025, with lava flowing from the 2 north vents at Halema’uma’u summit. It marks the fourth eruptive episode since December 23, 2024.
Thousands flee as Indonesia raises Ibu volcano alert to highest level
Increased volcanic activity at Indonesia’s Ibu volcano prompted authorities to raise the Alert Level to 4 on January 15, 2025, and issue evacuation orders for some 3 000 people living in 6 villages near the volcano.
Series of explosions and exhalations at Telica volcano, Nicaragua
Volcanic activity at Telica volcano in Nicaragua increased on January 11, 2025, with 91 gas and ash emissions observed by January 14, reaching heights of up to 200 m (656 feet).
