Global Volcanic Unrest: Updates on Activity from March 21, 2026

Volcanic activity continues across the globe, with ongoing eruptions and unrest at numerous sites as of March 21, 2026. Monitoring agencies are closely watching several volcanoes in Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Russia and other regions. This report summarizes the latest updates from various sources, including reports from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Japan: Continued Unrest and Eruptions

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reports continued unrest at several volcanoes across the country. Alert levels remain largely at “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater” for many sites.

• Asamayama: Unrest continued between March 16 and March 20, 2026.
• Akan: Eruption continued between March 15 and March 20, 2026.
• Kirishima: Unrest continued between March 13 and March 20, 2026.
• Kikai: Unrest continued between March 13 and March 20, 2026.
• Kusatsu-Shirane: Unrest continued between March 18 and March 20, 2026.
• Iwate: Unrest continued between March 13 and March 20, 2026.
• Sakurajima: The alert level is at “Level 3 – Restriction on proximity to the volcano.”
• Suwanose-jima: Eruption continued between March 13 and March 20, 2026.

Philippines: Activity at Mayon, Taal, and Canlaon

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is monitoring ongoing eruptions and unrest at several volcanoes.

• Canlaon: An eruption occurred, with volcanic ash plumes reported. The alert level remains at “2 – Moderate Level of Volcanic Unrest.”
• Taal: The eruption continues, with the alert level remaining at “1 – Low-Level Unrest.”
• Mayon: The eruption continues, with lava effusion from the summit crater. Lava flows have reached lengths of 3.8 km in the Basud Gully, 3.2 km in the Bonga Gully, and 1.3 km in the Mi-isi Gully. The alert level is at “3 – Increased Tendency Towards Hazardous Eruption.”

Indonesia: Ongoing Eruptions and Alerts

Several volcanoes in Indonesia remain active, with ongoing eruptions and alerts issued by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG).

• Ibu: Explosive activity continues, with a volcanic ash plume reaching an altitude of 7,000 ft (2,100 m). The alert level is at “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Tambora: Unrest continues, with the alert level remaining at “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Lewotobi: The eruption continues, with the alert level remaining at “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Lewotolo: The eruption continues, with the alert level remaining at “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Merapi: The eruption continues, with hot rockfalls reported. The alert level is at “Level 3 – Standby.”
• Semeru: The eruption continues, with ash and gas plumes rising to 1,000 m (3,281 ft). The alert level is at “Level 3 – Standby.”
• Marapi: The eruption continues, with the alert level remaining at “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Dukono: The eruption continues, with the alert level remaining at “Level 2 – Alert.”

Other Notable Activity

• Shiveluch (Russia): The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Washington (VAAC) reported remnant volcanic ash clouds.
• Aoba (Vanuatu): Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Wellington (VAAC) reported an eruption with ash identified in webcam imagery.
• Kilauea (Hawaii): The eruption continues, with the alert level at “Watch.”
• Shishaldin & Great Sitkin (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): Unrest and eruptions continue, with advisory and watch levels in effect.
• Atka (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): Unrest continues, with an advisory level in effect.
• Popocatépetl (Mexico): The eruption continues, with ash and gas plumes reported. The alert level is at “Yellow Alert – Phase 2.”
• Santiaguito & Fuego (Guatemala): Explosions and eruptions continue, with varying alert levels.
• Sangay & Reventador (Ecuador): Explosive activity continues, with alert levels at “2 – Yellow” and “3 – Orange” respectively.
• Sabancaya (Peru): Explosive activity continues, with the alert level at “Orange.”
• Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion): The eruption continues, with the alert level at “Alert 2-2.”

Volcanic activity is a dynamic process, and conditions can change rapidly. Continued monitoring by geological agencies worldwide is crucial for ensuring public safety.