Increased seismic activity and lava flows observed at Mayon volcano, Philippines
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported a significant rise in both seismic activity and lava effusion at Mayon Volcano on October 21, 2023.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported a significant rise in both seismic activity and lava effusion at Mayon Volcano on October 21, 2023.

At 00:38 local time on October 21, 2023, Colombia’s Nevado del Huila volcano experienced a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 at a depth of 1 km (0.6 miles) below its Central Peak. From then until 08:00 local time, a total of 320 earthquakes were recorded, associated with rock fracturing inside the volcano.

New activity/unrest was reported for 3 volcanoes from October 11 to 17, 2023. During the same period, ongoing activity was reported for 18 volcanoes.

After several days of increased activity, a strong eruption took place at Russia’s Bezymianny volcano at around 04:30 UTC on October 18, 2023. As a result, the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) increased the Aviation Color Code from Orange to Red.

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.