Global Volcanic Unrest: Updates from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Beyond

March 25, 2026 – Volcanic activity remains elevated across the globe, with ongoing eruptions and heightened unrest reported in several regions. This report provides a summary of current conditions at key volcanoes, focusing on the Philippines, Indonesia, and other areas of concern, as of today, March 25, 2026.

Philippines: Kanlaon, Taal, Mayon, and Bulusan Under Watch

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) continues to monitor several active volcanoes closely. As of today, Kanlaon Volcano remains at Alert Level 2, indicating increased unrest. Recent activity at Kanlaon included four ash emission events and a surge in seismic activity over the past 24 hours [Politiko]. PHIVOLCS reported continuing eruptive activity at Kanlaon during March 11-18, 2026, with 2-9 volcanic earthquakes recorded daily and sulfur dioxide emissions ranging from 434 to 2,021 tonnes per day [PHIVOLCS]. A significant eruption on March 15, 2026, generated an ash plume reaching 5 km above the summit and ejected incandescent blocks up to 1 km from the crater rim, igniting fires on the volcano’s slopes [Global Volcanism Program].

Taal Volcano is currently at Alert Level 1, indicating a low-level of unrest. Mayon Volcano is at Alert Level 3, signifying an increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption. Bulusan Volcano also remains at Alert Level 1, with continued unrest reported by PHIVOLCS.

Indonesia: Ibu, Lewotobi, Lewotolo, Merapi, and Semeru Eruptions Continue

In Indonesia, several volcanoes are exhibiting ongoing eruptive activity. Ibu Volcano and Lewotobi Volcano are both at Alert Level 2, while Lewotolo and Merapi are at Alert Level 3 (Standby) [Global Volcanism Program]. Semeru Volcano also remains at Alert Level 3. These volcanoes are under close observation by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG).

Other Volcanic Activity Around the World

Beyond the Philippines and Indonesia, volcanic activity is being monitored in several other regions:

• Aoba (Vanuatu): Continues to experience frequent ash emissions.
• White Island (New Zealand): A small eruption occurred on March 24, 2026, producing an ash plume.
• Kilauea (Hawai’i): Eruptive activity paused between March 23 and March 24, 2026, but remains under a “Watch” alert level.
• Shishaldin (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): Continues to exhibit unrest.
• Great Sitkin (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): Continues to erupt.
• Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Remains at a “Yellow Alert – Phase 2”.
• Santiaguito (Guatemala): Experiencing ongoing explosive activity.
• Sangay (Ecuador): Continues to erupt with ash emissions.
• Reventador (Ecuador): Continues to erupt.
• Sabancaya (Peru): Continues to erupt with ash emissions.
• Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion): Continues to erupt.

Key Takeaways

• Volcanic activity is elevated globally, with significant unrest in the Philippines and Indonesia.
• PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Kanlaon, Taal, Mayon, and Bulusan in the Philippines.
• Several Indonesian volcanoes, including Ibu, Lewotobi, Lewotolo, Merapi, and Semeru, are currently erupting.
• Ongoing monitoring and alert level systems are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with volcanic activity.

Authorities continue to urge residents near active volcanoes to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders when issued. Continued monitoring and assessment of these volcanic systems are essential to ensure public safety.