Global Volcanic Activity Report – February 20, 2026

February 20, 2026 – Volcanic activity continues across the globe, with notable unrest reported in the Canary Islands, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and several other regions. This report summarizes the latest updates from various volcanological observatories as of today.

Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)

The Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN) reported a new swarm of hybrid earthquakes beneath the western sector of Las Cañadas del Teide on February 18-19, 2026. Approximately 950 events, with a maximum magnitude of 0.7, were detected at depths of 7–8 km. Similar seismic swarms have been documented in the same area on October 2, 2016; June 14, 2019; June 16 and July 12, 2022; November 14, 2024; August 7, 2025; and February 12 and 16-17, 2026. The alert level remains at “Green – Early warning” (level 1 on a 4-level scale). INVOLCAN

Japan – Kusatsu-Shirane

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reports continued unrest at Kusatsu-Shiranesan. An increase in volcanic earthquakes near Yugama Crater began on February 14, with a total of 218 earthquakes recorded through February 19. Changes in the chemical composition of emitted gases have also been detected. The alert level remains at “Level 2 – Restriction on proximity to the crater” (on a 5-level scale).

Philippines – Canlaon

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported a moderately explosive eruption at Canlaon on February 19, 2026, lasting two minutes. A dense, dark gray eruption column rose to 2,000 meters above the vent, drifting southwest. Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descended the upper flanks within 1 km of the summit, and traveled at least 2 km on the southwest flank. Minor to moderate ashfall was reported in 41 barangays across several cities. A shockwave was felt over 30 km from the crater, with an overpressure of ~225 Pa recorded by an infrasound station. The alert level remains at “2 – Moderate Level of Volcanic Unrest” (on a 0–5 level scale).

Philippines – Taal, Mayon

PHIVOLCS also reports continued eruptions at Taal and Mayon. Taal experienced an episode of tremor lasting 12 hours and 32 minutes, maintaining an alert level of “1 – Low-Level Unrest” (on a 0–5 level scale). Mayon continues to exhibit lava effusion from the summit crater, with lava flows extending 3.8 km in the Basud gully, 1.6 km in the Bonga gully, and 1.3 km in the Mi-isi gully. 396 rockfalls were detected, and crater glow is visible. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 6,947 tonnes per day on February 19. Mayon’s alert level remains at “3 – Increased Tendency Towards Hazardous Eruption” (on a 0–5 level scale).

Indonesia – Multiple Volcanoes

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reports ongoing unrest at several Indonesian volcanoes, all currently at alert levels ranging from “Level 1 – Normal” to “Level 3 – Standby”. These include: Telong, Karangetang, Raung, Ibu, Tangkubanparahu, Sangeang Api, Lewotobi, Soputan, Lewotolo, Merapi, Semeru, Marapi, Dukono, Awu, and Kerinci. Activity ranges from gas emissions and seismic tremors to explosive eruptions and lava flows.

Other Notable Activity

• Great Sitkin (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): Eruption continues with lava flows. Alert level: Watch (level 3 of 4).
• Shishaldin (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): Elevated seismicity and gas emissions. Alert level: Advisory (level 2 of 4).
• Kilauea (Hawai’i): Pause in eruptive activity, but seismic tremor persists. Alert level: Watch (level 3 of 4).
• Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion): Continued eruption with lava fountains and flows. Alert level: Alert 2-1 (level 2 of 4).
• Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Explosive activity with ash plume reaching 22,000 ft. Alert level: Yellow Alert – Phase 2 (level 4 of 7).
• Aoba (Vanuatu): Volcanic Ash Advisory issued due to ash plume reaching 11,000 ft.

This is a developing situation, and further updates will be provided as they develop into available.