Global Volcanic Activity Update: Ongoing Eruptions and Increased Unrest – March 20, 2026

Volcanic activity remains elevated across the globe, with ongoing eruptions and increasing unrest reported in several regions as of March 20, 2026. From the Philippines and Indonesia to Russia, Ecuador, and Mexico, monitoring agencies are tracking significant activity, posing potential hazards to aviation and local communities. This report summarizes the latest developments at key volcanoes worldwide.

Philippines: Continued Eruptions at Mayon, Kanlaon, and Taal

The Philippines continues to experience significant volcanic activity. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reports ongoing eruptions at Mayon, Kanlaon, and Taal volcanoes.

• Mayon: Lava effusion continues from the summit crater of Mayon, with lava flow lengths reaching 3.8 km in the Basud Gully, 3.2 km in the Bonga Gully, and 1.3 km in the Mi-isi Gully. Short-lived lava fountaining and minor Strombolian activity have been observed. PHIVOLCS recorded 412 seismically detected rockfalls and a 2-minute tremor episode on March 19, 2026. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,132 tonnes per day. The alert level remains at “3 – Increased Tendency Towards Hazardous Eruption.”
• Kanlaon: Eruption activity continued at Kanlaon on March 19, 2026, with plumes rising to a maximum of 500 meters above the vent. The alert level remains at “2 – Moderate Level of Volcanic Unrest.”
• Taal: Taal volcano also continues to exhibit unrest, with the eruption continuing on March 19, 2026. The alert level remains at “1 – Low-Level Unrest.”

Indonesia: Multiple Volcanoes Displaying Elevated Activity

Several Indonesian volcanoes are exhibiting increased activity, monitored by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG).

• Ibu: The eruption at Ibu continues, with 105 seismically detected explosions reported on March 19, 2026. The alert level is at “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Tambora: Unrest continues at Tambora, with the alert level remaining at “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Lewotobi: The eruption at Lewotobi (Laki-Laki) continues, with gas and vapor plumes rising to 100 meters above the vent and two explosions reported, with plumes reaching 1,000 meters. The alert level is “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Lewotolo: Eruption activity continues at Lewotolok, with gas and vapor plumes rising to 50 meters and 26 explosions reported. The alert level is “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Merapi: The eruption at Merapi continues, with gas and vapor plumes rising to 100 meters and six hot rockfalls detected. The alert level is “Level 3 – Standby.”
• Semeru: The eruption at Semeru continues, with 61 explosions and four rockfalls reported. The alert level is “Level 3 – Standby.”
• Marapi: The eruption at Marapi continues, with gas and vapor plumes rising to 400 meters and one explosion reported. The alert level is “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Dukono: The eruption at Dukono continues, with ash and gas plumes rising to 150 meters. The alert level is “Level 2 – Alert.”

Other Notable Volcanic Activity

• Shiveluch (Kamchatka, Russia): Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Washington (VAAC) reports ongoing explosive activity, with ash plumes reaching 10 km altitude.
• Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Explosive activity continues, with a volcanic ash plume reaching an estimated altitude of 6,400 meters. The alert level remains at “Yellow Alert – Phase 2.”
• Fuego (Guatemala): Explosive activity continues, with a volcanic ash plume reaching an estimated altitude of 4,600 meters.
• Sangay (Ecuador): Explosive activity continues, with 137 explosions reported and ash plumes rising to 1,500 meters. The alert level is “2 – Yellow.”
• Reventador (Ecuador): Explosive activity continues, with the alert level remaining at “3 – Orange.”
• Sabancaya (Peru): The eruption continues, with one explosion reported and plumes rising to 2,000 meters. The alert level is “Orange.”
• Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion): Activity has increased, with both lava effusion and volcanic tremor elevated.
• Aoba (Vanuatu): Continuous low-level eruption ongoing.

Volcanic activity is a dynamic process, and conditions can change rapidly. Monitoring agencies continue to closely observe these and other volcanoes around the world to provide timely warnings and mitigate potential hazards.