Global Volcanic Activity: Eruptions in Kamchatka, Philippines, Indonesia, and Beyond – March 15, 2026

A surge in volcanic activity is being observed across the globe, with significant eruptions reported in Kamchatka, the Philippines, Indonesia, and several other regions. These events are prompting aviation alerts and monitoring from volcanologists worldwide.

Shiveluch Volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

The Shiveluch volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula experienced a major eruption on March 13, 2026, sending an ash plume reaching up to 8,000 meters (26,000 feet) above sea level. The ash cloud drifted northeast towards the Bering Sea. Explosions were heard in the nearby village of Klyuchi, located approximately 50 kilometers from the volcano. An orange aviation hazard alert has been issued for the area. Shiveluch, estimated to be between 60,000 and 70,000 years aged, consists of Old Shiveluch, an ancient caldera, and the active Young Shiveluch volcano. The volcano is also approximately 450 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Additional Volcanic Activity – March 15, 2026

Beyond Kamchatka, several other volcanoes are exhibiting increased activity as of March 15, 2026:

• Canlaon (Central Philippines): Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Darwin (VAAC) has issued a report regarding activity.
• Mayon (Luzon Island, Philippines): Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Tokyo (VAAC) reported an eruption.
• Ibu (Halmahera, Indonesia): VAAC Darwin issued a report on activity.
• Lewotobi (Flores): Explosive activity continues, with an ash plume reaching an estimated 8,000 ft (2400 m).
• Lewotolo (Lesser Sunda Islands): VAAC Darwin issued a report.
• Semeru (East Java, Indonesia): Explosive activity continues, with an ash plume reaching an estimated 15,000 ft (4600 m).
• Aoba (Vanuatu): Continuous eruption reported by VAAC Wellington.
• Fuego (Guatemala): Explosive activity continues, with an ash plume reaching an estimated 14,000 ft (4300 m).
• Puracé (Colombia): New volcanic ash emissions reported.
• Sangay (Ecuador): Explosive activity continues, with an ash plume reaching an estimated 20,000 ft (6100 m).
• Reventador (Ecuador): Explosive activity continues, with an ash plume reaching an estimated 15,000 ft (4600 m).
• Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion): Effusive eruption continues, with lava flows nearing the shoreline.

Ongoing Monitoring and Aviation Safety

Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) worldwide are closely monitoring these and other active volcanoes. The primary concern is the potential hazard to aviation, as volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines. Aviation alerts are issued to inform pilots and airlines of potential risks, allowing them to adjust flight paths accordingly.

List of Currently Erupting Volcanoes

As of March 15, 2026, a significant number of volcanoes are currently erupting or exhibiting heightened activity, including (but not limited to): Aoba, Bagana, Barren Island, Bezymianny, Canlaon, Copahue, Dukono, Ebeko, Erebus, Erta Ale, Fuego, Home Reef, Ibu, Karangetang, Karymsky, Kilauea, Klyuchevskoy, Krasheninnikov, Lewotolo, Manam, Marapi, Masaya, Mayon, Merapi, Michael, Nyamuragira, Nyiragongo, Piton de la Fournaise, Planchón-Peteroa, Popocatépetl, Puracé, Reventador, Sabancaya, Sakurajima, Sangay, Santiaguito, Semeru, Shiveluch, Stromboli, Suwanose-jima, Tinakula, Yasur.