Global Volcanic Activity Update: March 20, 2026

Volcanic activity remains elevated across several regions globally, with ongoing eruptions and unrest reported in the Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, Ecuador, and Vanuatu. Monitoring agencies are closely watching these volcanoes, providing alerts and assessments to mitigate potential hazards.

Philippines: Ongoing Eruptions at Canlaon and Taal

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) continues to monitor activity at both Canlaon and Taal volcanoes. As of March 19, 2026, Canlaon volcano remains at Alert Level 2, indicating a moderate level of unrest. The eruption continues, with plumes rising to a maximum of 500 meters above the vent. PHIVOLCS has been enhancing communication regarding hazards associated with Kanlaon, holding seminars for media professionals to improve reporting on volcanic activity.

Taal volcano is also under observation, maintaining Alert Level 1, signifying a low-level of unrest. Eruptive activity continues, as reported on March 19, 2026, by PHIVOLCS.

Indonesia: Multiple Volcanoes Displaying Activity

Several Indonesian volcanoes are exhibiting varying degrees of activity. Merapi (Central Java) is at Alert Level 3 (Standby), with gas and vapor plumes rising to 100 meters above the vent and hot rockfalls reported. Semeru (East Java) is also at Alert Level 3 (Standby), with 61 explosions and ash plumes reaching 800 meters. Marapi (Western Sumatra) remains at Alert Level 2 (Alert), with gas and vapor plumes up to 400 meters and one reported explosion. Dukono (Halmahera) and Lewotobi (Flores) are both at Alert Level 2, with ash plumes and reported explosions. Lewotolo (Lesser Sunda Islands) is also at Alert Level 2, with gas and vapor plumes and 26 explosions reported.

Central America: Fuego and Sangay Eruptions

Fuego volcano in Guatemala continues to erupt, with explosive activity and ash plumes reaching up to 15,000 feet (4,600 meters). The Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología (INSIVUMEH) reports incandescent material ejected in pulses and audible sounds. Sangay volcano in Ecuador also remains active, with ash plumes reaching up to 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) and 137 explosions reported.

Other Notable Activity

Shiveluch volcano (Kamchatka, Russia) continues to exhibit explosive activity, with a volcanic ash plume reaching an estimated 36,000 feet (11,000 meters). Popocatépetl (Central Mexico) also shows ongoing explosive activity, with ash plumes reaching 21,000 feet (6,400 meters). Aoba (Vanuatu) is experiencing a continuous low-level eruption. Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion) is showing increasing activity, with elevated lava effusion and volcanic tremor.

Volcanic Alert Levels as of March 20, 2026

• Level 1 – Low-Level Unrest: Taal (Philippines)
• Level 2 – Moderate Level of Volcanic Unrest: Canlaon (Philippines), Ibu (Indonesia), Tambora (Indonesia), Lewotobi (Indonesia), Dukono (Indonesia), Marapi (Indonesia)
• Level 2 – Alert: Lewotolo (Indonesia)
• Level 3 – Increased Tendency Towards Hazardous Eruption: Mayon (Philippines), Merapi (Indonesia), Semeru (Indonesia)
• Level 3 – Standby: Merapi (Indonesia), Semeru (Indonesia)
• Level 3 – Orange: Reventador (Ecuador)
• Level 2 – Yellow: Sangay (Ecuador)
• Alert 2-2 (Level 3 on a 0–4 scale): Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion)
• Yellow Alert – Phase 2 (Level 4 on a 7-level scale): Popocatépetl (Mexico)

Volcanic activity is a dynamic process, and alert levels can change rapidly. Authorities continue to monitor these and other volcanoes worldwide to provide timely warnings and ensure public safety.