Global Volcanic Unrest: Updates on Multiple Volcanoes – February 21, 2026

Volcanic activity continues across several regions, prompting ongoing monitoring and alerts. As of February 21, 2026, numerous volcanoes are exhibiting signs of unrest, ranging from ongoing eruptions to increased seismic activity. This report summarizes the latest updates from monitoring agencies worldwide.

Japan: Ongoing Unrest at Multiple Volcanoes

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) continues to monitor several volcanoes closely. As of February 20, 2026, the following alert levels were in effect:

• Asamayama: The alert level remains at “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater” on a 5-level scale. JMA reports that unrest continued between February 16 and February 20, 2026.
• Akan: Also at “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater.” Unrest continued between February 13 and February 20, 2026.
• Kirishima: Maintaining a “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater” alert. Unrest persisted between February 13 and February 20, 2026.
• Kikai: At “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater.” Gas and vapor plumes rose to a maximum of 600 meters above the vent, and incandescence was observed at Iodake Crater between February 13 and February 19.
• Yake-dake: Alert level at “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater.” Unrest continued between February 18 and February 20, 2026.
• Kusatsu-Shirane: “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater.” Unrest continued between February 19 and February 20, 2026.
• Iwate: “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater.” Unrest continued between February 13 and February 20, 2026.

Philippines: Eruptions and Increased Activity

Several volcanoes in the Philippines are currently erupting or exhibiting increased unrest:

• Sakurajima: The alert level is at “Level 3 – Restriction on proximity to the volcano.” A small eruption was recorded at Minamidake Crater on February 18, with incandescence observed during the nights of February 16-19.
• Mayon: At “Level 3 – Increased Tendency Towards Hazardous Eruption.” Lava effusion continues from the summit crater, with lava flows reaching 3.8 km in the Basud gully, 1.6 km in the Bonga gully, and 1.3 km in the Mi-isi gully. 407 rockfalls were detected, and sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 3,739 tonnes per day on February 20.
• Canlaon: At “Level 2 – Moderate Level of Volcanic Unrest.” Plumes rose to a maximum of 75 meters above the vent.
• Taal: At “Level 1 – Low-Level Unrest.” Plumes were reported.

Indonesia: Continued Activity Across Multiple Islands

Indonesia, situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, continues to experience volcanic activity on several islands:

• Lewotobi: The alert level was lowered to “Level 2 – Alert” on February 20, 2026, due to a decrease in activity.
• Ibu: At “Level 2 – Alert.” Gas and vapor plumes rose to a maximum of 200 meters, and 93 explosions were detected.
• Sangeang Api: At “Level 2 – Alert.” Seismic equipment malfunctioned.
• Soputan: At “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Raung: At “Level 2 – Alert.” Gas and vapor plumes rose to a maximum of 100 meters.
• Kerinci: At “Level 2 – Alert.”
• Lokon-Empung: At “Level 2 – Alert.” Gas and vapor plumes rose to a maximum of 25 meters.
• Dukono: At “Level 2 – Alert.” Seismic equipment malfunctioned.
• Awu: At “Level 2 – Alert.” Gas and vapor plumes rose to a maximum of 100 meters.
• Semeru: At “Level 3 – Standby.” Ash and gas plumes rose to a maximum of 1,000 meters, and 90 explosions were reported.
• Merapi: At “Level 3 – Standby.” Gas and vapor plumes rose to a maximum of 20 meters.
• Lewotolo: At “Level 3 – Standby.”
• Karangetang: At “Level 2 – Alert.”

Other Regions

• Telong (Indonesia): At “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater.”
• Sangay (Ecuador): At “Level 2 – Yellow.” 174 explosions were reported, with plumes rising to 600 meters.
• Reventador (Ecuador): At “Level 3 – Orange.” 63 explosions were reported, with plumes rising to 1,000 meters.
• Sabancaya (Peru): At “Level Orange.” Plumes rose to 900 meters, and 10 earthquakes were recorded.
• Turrialba (Costa Rica): At “Level 2 – Warning.”
• Rincón de la Vieja (Costa Rica): At “Level 2 – Warning.”
• Poás (Costa Rica): At “Level 2 – Warning.”
• Kilauea (Hawaii): At “Watch” (level 3 on a 4-level scale). Eruptive activity paused between February 19 and February 20.
• Shishaldin (Alaska): At “Advisory” (level 2 on a 4-level scale). Seismicity remains elevated.
• Great Sitkin (Alaska): At “Watch” (level 3 on a 4-level scale). Lava continues to erupt slowly.
• Katmai (Alaska): At “Normal” (level 1 on a 4-level scale). Ash resuspended by wind.
• Fuego (Guatemala): Explosive activity continues.
• Santiaguito (Guatemala): Explosions reported, with plumes rising to 600 meters.
• Pacaya (Guatemala): Unrest continues.

This is a developing situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Monitoring agencies continue to closely watch these and other volcanoes around the globe.