January 2026

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7. January 2026

 

Mount Etna

On January 1, 2026, a significant flank eruption began on the eastern slope of Italy’s Mount Etna. A fissure vent opened in the Valle del Bove at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters, with lava flows advancing down to 1,420 meters within the first 48 hours. The eruption was accompanied by substantial ash production, which led to temporary airspace warnings and visibility concerns for the nearby city of Catania. The activity followed a period of intense seismic unrest in late December 2025.

Kīlauea (Episode 41)

On January 24, 2026, Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu crater experienced “Episode 41,” one of the most visually spectacular events in its recent eruptive cycle. Lava fountains from the north and south vents reached peak heights between 460 and 480 meters (over 1,500 feet). Because of unusual wind patterns, the eruption caused a massive tephra fall, blanketing nearby communities like Volcano Village and Mauna Loa Estates in reticulite and “Pele’s hair.” The episode lasted roughly eight hours, erupting an estimated 14 million cubic yards of lava and covering 85% of the crater floor.

Mayon Volcano

Throughout January 2026, Mayon Volcano in the Philippines remained at Alert Level 3, characterized by a continuous effusive eruption. By the end of the month, the volcano had been erupting for over 23 consecutive days. Activity included a moderate explosive event on January 13 that sent lava 100 meters into the air, followed by persistent lava flows extending up to 3.2 kilometers downslope into the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies. High sulfur dioxide emissions and frequent pyroclastic density currents (locally called uson) have kept the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone strictly enforced.

Mount Semeru

In East Java, Indonesia, Mount Semeru exhibited dangerous instability during the middle of the month. On January 14, 2026, two large pyroclastic flows were recorded descending all the way to the base of the mountain. These fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic debris were triggered by the collapse of the active lava dome. While Semeru is frequently active, the reach and speed of these January flows reinforced the ongoing threat to local villages and led to tightened exclusion zones.

Great Sitkin

Located in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, Great Sitkin continued its long-term effusive activity throughout January. The volcano remained at a Watch/Orange status as it continued to slowly extrude lava within its summit crater. While less explosive than the tropical eruptions this month, the steady growth of the lava dome and elevated surface temperatures indicated a sustained magmatic supply that has shown no signs of tapering off.