Global Volcanic Activity: A Snapshot of February 2026

Volcanic activity remains elevated across the globe, with ongoing eruptions and unrest reported from Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and several other regions. Here’s a detailed gaze at the current situation as of February 14, 2026.

Indonesia: A Hotspot of Volcanic Activity

Indonesia continues to experience significant volcanic unrest. Several volcanoes are currently at alert levels requiring monitoring and potential evacuation plans.

• Semeru: Explosive activity continues, with a volcanic ash plume reaching an estimated 18,000 ft (5,500 m).
• Ibu: Gas and vapor plumes are rising to 600 m (1,969 ft) above the vent, with 124 explosions reported.
• Dukono: Gas and vapor plumes are rising to 600 m (1,969 ft) above the vent.
• Kerinci: Unrest continues, with the alert level remaining at “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Raung: Gas and vapor plumes are rising to 200 m (656 ft) above the vent.
• Lewotobi: Unrest continues, with the alert level at “Level 3 – Standby,” and flowage events detected.
• Soputan: Unrest continues, with the alert level at “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Tangkubanparahu: Remains at “Level 1 – Normal.”
• Karangetang: Remains at “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Awu: Remains at “Level 2 – Alert.”

Understanding Indonesian Alert Levels

Indonesia’s alert levels range from 1 to 4, with higher numbers indicating greater danger. Level 2 signifies increased volcanic activity, while Level 3 indicates a standby status, suggesting an eruption is possible.

Philippines: Ongoing Eruptions and Ashfall

The Philippines are also experiencing heightened volcanic activity.

• Mayon: Lava effusion continues, with lava flows reaching up to 3.8 km in the Basud gully. Seismic activity includes rockfalls and sulfur dioxide emissions. The alert level is “3 – Increased Tendency Towards Hazardous Eruption.”
• Taal: Remains at “Level 1 – Low-Level Unrest.”
• Canlaon: Continues to erupt, with one ash emission event lasting 17 minutes.

Japan: Sakurajima and Suwanose-jima Remain Active

Japan’s Sakurajima volcano continues its frequent eruptive activity.

• Sakurajima: Eruption activity continued between February 9th and 13th, 2026, with incandescence observed at Minamidake Crater. The alert level remains at “Level 3 – Restriction on proximity to the volcano.”
• Suwanose-jima: Eruption activity continued between February 6th and 13th, 2026, with gas and vapor plumes rising to 700 m (2,297 ft). The alert level remains at “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater.”

Other Notable Volcanic Activity

• Kilauea (Hawaii): A pause in eruptive activity was observed, but moderate glow remains visible. The alert level is “Watch.”
• Great Sitkin (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): Lava continues to erupt slowly from the summit crater. The alert level is “Watch.”
• Shishaldin (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): Unrest continues, with the alert level at “Advisory.”
• Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Gas and vapor plumes reported. Alert level is “Yellow Alert – Phase 2.”
• Sangay (Ecuador): Explosive activity continues, with a volcanic ash plume reaching 20,000 ft (6,100 m). Alert level is “2 – Yellow.”
• Reventador (Ecuador): Explosions, incandescence, and lava flows reported. Alert level is “3 – Orange.”
• Sabancaya (Peru): Explosive activity continues, with a volcanic ash plume reaching 24,000 ft (7,300 m). Alert level is “Orange.”
• Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion): Effusive eruption continues, with lava flows advancing.
• Late (Tonga): Eruption reported.
• Fuego (Guatemala): Explosions reported, with plumes rising to 1,037 m (3,402 ft).
• Santiaguito (Guatemala): Explosions reported, with plumes rising to 3,400 m (11,155 ft).
• Pacaya (Guatemala): Unrest continues, with gas and vapor plumes reported.

FAQ

• What do alert levels signify? Alert levels indicate the severity of volcanic activity, ranging from normal to imminent eruption.
• What is a volcanic ash advisory? A volcanic ash advisory is issued when volcanic ash poses a hazard to aviation.
• Where can I discover more information? Refer to the websites of the respective geological surveys and volcano observatories listed in the article.

Stay informed about volcanic activity in these regions and heed any warnings or evacuation orders issued by local authorities.