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Current Eruptions

Overall there are 46 volcanoes with continuing eruptions as of the Stop Dates indicated, and as reported through the last data update (10 December 2020), sorted with the most recently started eruption at the top. Information about more recently started eruptions can be found in the Weekly Report.

Although detailed statistics are not kept on daily activity, generally there are around 20 volcanoes actively erupting on any particular day. The Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report (WVAR) for the week ending on 15 December 2020 includes the 19 volcanoes shown below marked "Yes" in the WVAR column (rollover for report).

An eruption marked as "continuing" does not always mean that the activity is continuous or happening today, but that there have been at least some intermittent eruptive events at that volcano without a break of at least 3 months since it started. An eruption listed here also might have ended since the last public data update, or at the update time a firm end date had not yet been determined due to potential renewed activity.

Volcano Country Eruption Start Date Eruption Stop Date Max VEI WVAR
Lewotolo Indonesia 2020 Nov 27 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) Yes
Klyuchevskoy Russia 2020 Oct 2 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) Yes
Sinabung Indonesia 2020 Aug 8 2020 Dec 10 (continuing)
Langila Papua New Guinea 2020 Aug 1 2020 Dec 10 (continuing)
Telica Nicaragua 2020 Jul 20 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) Yes
Rincon de la Vieja Costa Rica 2020 Jan 30 2020 Dec 10 (continuing)
Kuchinoerabujima Japan 2020 Jan 11 2020 Nov 27 (continuing)
Nishinoshima Japan 2019 Dec 5 2020 Dec 8 (continuing) 1
Sangay Ecuador 2019 Mar 26 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2
Tinakula Solomon Islands 2018 Dec 8 (in or before) 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2
Karangetang Indonesia 2018 Nov 25 2020 Dec 9 (continuing) 2
Barren Island India 2018 Sep 25 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 1 Yes
Krakatau Indonesia 2018 Jun 18 2020 Dec 2 (continuing) 3
Kerinci Indonesia 2018 Apr 21 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 1
Nyamuragira DR Congo 2018 Apr 18 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 0
Kadovar Papua New Guinea 2018 Jan 5 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2
Nevado del Ruiz Colombia 2017 Dec 18 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2
Ol Doinyo Lengai Tanzania 2017 Apr 9 2020 Sep 20 (continuing) 0
Aira Japan 2017 Mar 25 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 1 Yes
Sabancaya Peru 2016 Nov 6 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 3 Yes
Ebeko Russia 2016 Oct 20 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2 Yes
Nevados de Chillan Chile 2016 Jan 8 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2
Masaya Nicaragua 2015 Oct 3 2020 Dec 9 (continuing) 1
Tofua Tonga 2015 Oct 2 2020 Dec 3 (continuing) 0
Pacaya Guatemala 2015 Jun 7 ± 1 days 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 1 Yes
Villarrica Chile 2014 Dec 2 ± 7 days 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 1 Yes
Saunders United Kingdom 2014 Nov 12 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 1
Manam Papua New Guinea 2014 Jun 29 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2
Semeru Indonesia 2014 Apr 1 ± 15 days 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 3 Yes
Etna Italy 2013 Sep 3 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2 Yes
Heard Australia 2012 Sep 5 ± 4 days 2020 Nov 11 (continuing) 0
Bezymianny Russia 2010 May 21 (?) 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 3
Reventador Ecuador 2008 Jul 27 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2
Ibu Indonesia 2008 Apr 5 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 1
Popocatepetl Mexico 2005 Jan 9 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2
Suwanosejima Japan 2004 Oct 23 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2 Yes
Nyiragongo DR Congo 2002 May 17 (?) 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2
Fuego Guatemala 2002 Jan 4 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 3 Yes
Bagana Papua New Guinea 2000 Feb 28 (in or before) 2020 Dec 1 (continuing) 2
Sheveluch Russia 1999 Aug 15 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 4 Yes
Erebus Antarctica 1972 Dec 16 (in or before) ± 15 days 2020 Nov 24 (continuing) 2
Erta Ale Ethiopia 1967 Jul 2 (in or before) ± 182 days 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 0
Stromboli Italy 1934 Feb 2 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 2
Dukono Indonesia 1933 Aug 13 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 3 Yes
Santa Maria Guatemala 1922 Jun 22 2020 Dec 10 (continuing) 3 Yes
Yasur Vanuatu 1774 Jul 2 (in or before) ± 182 days 2020 Dec 5 (continuing) 3
Report for Etna
INGV reported that during 7-12 December activity at Etna was similar to the previous week, characterized by intra-crater Strombolian activity at Northeast Crater (NEC), and Strombolian activity, lava effusion, and pyroclastic flows at the Southeast Crater (SEC). Additionally, infrequent ash emissions at the Bocca Nuova (BN) craters and some explosions and minor ash emissions at the Voragine (VOR) were also recorded. Webcam views of activity was limited due to weather conditions; a field visit was made on 14 December.

Strombolian activity originated from the E and central vents at SEC ejected lava onto the inner crater walls. Occasional ash emissions dispersed quickly near the summit. Activity intensified at 2020 on 13 December and lava fountains formed around 2300. Collapses of the SW part of the SEC cone spurred a series of pyroclastic flows. At 2315 a small pyroclastic flow traveled down the SSW flank. A second pyroclastic flow began at 2316 and traveled 2 km down the SSW flank and covered Monte Frumento Supino cone (SSW). At 2330 a third and minor pyroclastic flow traveled SSW. Around the same time as the generation of the first two pyroclastic flows, two fissures opened on the SW flank of the SEC and produced lava flows to the S and SW until about 2350. A period of lava fountaining was visible during 0050-0110 and 0210-0223 on 14 December.

During a field inspection on 14 December scientists confirmed the partial cone collapses and noted that the two lava flows (S and SW) were cooling. The S lava flow had widened at the near the base of SEC and formed four lobes. One of the lobes continued on and stopped just NW of cones that had formed in 2002-2003. The SW flow traveled SSW, branched, curved around the W part of Monte Frumento Supino, and then stopped. Explosive activity from central SEC vent continued, with roaring and sporadic ash emissions. An explosion at 1352 formed an ash plume that rose about 4 km and drifted S. Strombolian explosions deposited material outside of the crater.
Report for Barren Island
The Darwin VAAC reported that on 8 December an ash plume from Barren Island rose to 1.8 km (6,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted WSW.
Report for Merapi
BPPTKG reported that during 4-10 December white emissions from Merapi rose as high as 400 m above the summit. Rock avalanches traveled around 200 m down the Lamat drainage on the W flank. A comparison of photos taken on 29 November and 8 December showed some morphological changes in the summit area; drone footage from 5 December revealed no new lava dome material in the summit crater. Seismic activity was less intense than the previous week. Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) data continued to measure a distance shortening between points in the NW at a rate of 9 cm per day. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4).
Report for Semeru
PVMBG reported that the eruption at Semeru continued during 9-15 December. Incandescent material was ejected 50-100 m above the summit on 9 December and rock avalanches descended the Kobokan drainage 500 m on the SE flank. Explosions were recorded by the seismic network during 10-12 December but they could not be visually confirmed due to weather conditions. On 13 December a pyroclastic flow originating from the end of a lava flow traveled 1.5 km down the Kembar drainage (S flank), reaching a maximum distance of 3.5 km from the crater. The next day a pyroclastic flow traveled 3.5 km down the Kobokan drainage. Rock avalanches from the end of a lava flow traveled 300-1,500 m down both drainages during 14-15 December. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), with a general exclusion zone of 1 km and extensions to 4 km in the SSE sector.
Report for Lewotolo
PVMBG reported that the eruption at Lewotolo continued during 9-15 December. Black, gray, and brown ash plumes were visible daily, rising as high as 1 km above the summit. Strombolian explosions were visible most nights ejecting material above the summit crater. The Alert Level was remained at 3 (on a scale of 1-4) and the public was warned to stay 4 km away from the summer crater.
Report for Dukono
Based on satellite and wind model data, the Darwin VAAC reported that during 8-14 December ash plumes from Dukono rose 2.1-2.4 km (7,000-8,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted in multiple directions. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 1-4), and the public was warned to remain outside of the 2-km exclusion zone.
Report for Suwanosejima
JMA reported nighttime incandescence and intermittent eruptive activity at Suwanosejima’s Ontake Crater during 4-11 December. A total of 20 explosions were recorded, ejecting bombs up to 500 m away from the crater and producing gray-and-white plumes that rose 1.5 km above the crater rim. Ashfall was reported in Toshima village (4 km SSW). The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 5-level scale).
Report for Aira
JMA reported that during 7-14 December incandescence from Minamidake Crater (at Aira Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) was often visible nightly and the sulfur dioxide emission rate remained high. Three explosions during 7-11 December produced ash plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km above the crater rim and ejected bombs 1.3-1.7 km away from the crater. An eruptive event at 0514 on 14 December produced a plume that rose 1.8 km and blended into weather clouds. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a 5-level scale).
Report for Kirishimayama
JMA noted that no eruption had occurred at Shinmoedake (Shinmoe peak, a stratovolcano of the Kirishimayama volcano group) since 28 June 2018. Volcanic earthquakes with hypocenters just below Shinmoedake had increased around 17 November 2019, fluctuated afterwards, and then began a decreasing trend in mid-October 2020. Sulfur dioxide levels were generally low, deformation data showed no changes, and both fumarolic and geothermal area activity remained stable. The Alert Level was lowered to 1 (on a scale of 1-5) on 11 December.
Report for Ebeko
Volcanologists in Severo-Kurilsk (Paramushir Island), about 7 km E of Ebeko, observed explosions during 8-9 December that sent ash plumes up to 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE and SE. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Report for Karymsky
At 2045 on 9 December explosions at Karymsky generated ash plumes that rose 6-7 km (19,700-23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 60 km NW, prompting KVERT to raise the Alert Level to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale). Explosions continued the next day; ash plumes drifted 220 km NW, W, and SW. A thermal anomaly was identified in satellite images on 4, 8, and 10 December.
Report for Klyuchevskoy
KVERT reported that Strombolian and Vulcanian activity at Klyuchevskoy continued during 4-7 December and lava advanced down the Kozyrevsky drainage on the S flank. A large bright thermal anomaly was identified daily in satellite images. Steam-and-gas plumes with some ash rose to 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 130 km NW and NE. The Aviation Color Code remined at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Report for Sheveluch
KVERT reported that a thermal anomaly over Sheveluch was identified in satellite images during 4-11 December. The lava block, named “Dolphin,” which had emerged in the E part of the summit lava dome, was absent in an 8 December photo of the volcano. The Aviation Color Code remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale).
Report for Santa Maria
INSIVUMEH reported that during 9-15 December explosions at Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex generated ash plumes that rose as high as 900 m above the complex. The extrusion of blocky lava at the WSW part of Caliente dome generated block-and-ash flows that descended the NW, WSW, SW, and E flanks often reaching the base of the complex. The activity increased at 0430 on 11 December with notable avalanches of material and block-and-ash flows lava dome traveling down the W and SW flanks. Ash plumes drifted 15 km SW, causing ashfall in areas downwind including Finca Montebello, Loma Linda, and San Marcos Palajunoj. Activity remained elevated at least through 13 December; ash plumes drifted as far as 20 km W, SW, and S, and pyroclastic flows descended the flanks.
Report for Fuego
INSIVUMEH reported that 3-15 explosions were recorded per hour during 8-15 December at Fuego, generating ash plumes as high as 1.1 km above the crater rim that drifted 10-25 km generally S, SW, and W. Shock waves rattled buildings within 20 km of the summit. Block avalanches descended the Ceniza (SSW), Seca (W), Trinidad (S), Taniluyá (SW), El Jute, Las Lajas (SE), and Honda drainages; avalanches sometimes reached vegetated areas. Incandescent material was occasionally ejected 100-200 m. Ashfall was reported most days in several areas downwind including Morelia (9 km SW), Panimaché I and II (8 km SW), Finca Palo Verde, Santa Sofía (12 km SW), El Porvenir (8 km ENE), San Pedro Yepocapa (8 km NW), and Sangre de Cristo (8 km WSW).
Report for Pacaya
INSIVUMEH reported that on 9 December a new lava flow emerged from a vent S of Cerro Chino, NNW of Pacaya’s summit, and traveled as far as 250 m WSW. The branched lava flow which had opened in October on the WSW flank was active, with lengths between 400 and 600 m. Avalanches of material from the new flow and the SW-flank lava flows descended 100 m. Strombolian explosions from the cone in Mackenney Crater were visible on most days during 9-15 December and ejected material as high as 150 m above the vent. Gray ash plumes were occasionally visible drifting S, SW, and W at generally low altitudes. On 12 December strong winds picked up ash deposits and created ash curtains that drifted 1.5 km away and dispersed. Lava flows on the SW flank varied in length between 500 m and 1,000 m. The NW-flank lava flow ceased effusing by 13 December.
Report for Telica
INETER reported that there were two small ash-and-gas explosions at Telica recorded during 8-9 December, making a total of 1,315 small explosions recorded since the latest activity began 30 November. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 200 m above the crater rim.
Report for Sabancaya
Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported a daily average of 54 explosions at Sabancaya during 7-13 December. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.8 km above the summit and drifted NW, W, and SW. Eight thermal anomalies over the crater were identified in satellite data. Minor inflation continued to be detected in areas N of Hualca Hualca (4 km N) and on the SE flank. INGEMMET stated that ashfall was noted in the towns of Cabanaconde (22 km NW), Pinchollo (20 km N), and Madrigal (20 km NE) during 9-10 December. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale) and the public were warned to stay outside of a 12-km radius.
Report for Villarrica
POVI reported that during an over-flight of Villarrica on 9 December scientists observed a small lava lake, 10-15 m in diameter, partially covered by floating black solidified lava. The Alert Level remained at Yellow, the second lowest level on a four-color scale. ONEMI maintained an Alert Level Yellow (the middle level on a three-color scale) for the municipalities of Villarrica, Pucón (16 km N), Curarrehue, and the commune of Panguipulli, and the exclusion zone of 500 m around the crater.