The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: August 6-12, 2026

Watchers New activity/unrest: Esan, Japan | Etna, Italy | Fuego, Guatemala | Karangetang, Indonesia | Telica, Nicaragua | Tokachidake, Japan. Ongoing activity: Aira, Japan | Ambae, Vanuatu | Bezymianny, Russia | Great Sitkin, United States | Ibu, Indonesia | Kanlaon, Philippines | Kilauea, United States | Krakatau, Indonesia | Krasheninnikov, Russia | Lewotobi, Indonesia | Lewotolok, Indonesia | Merapi, Indonesia | Poas, Costa Rica | Popocatepetl, Mexico | Purace, Colombia | Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica | Sabancaya, Peru | Semeru, Indonesia | Sheveluch, Russia | Suwanosejima, Japan. New activity/unrest Esan, Japan 41.805°N, 141.166°E; Elev. 617 m The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that volcanic earthquakes with hypocenters near the crater floor at Esan increased during 5 August through the next morning. The event count was 53 on 5 August, with an additional 6 through 1200 on 6 August. This was the first time since that the 24-hour maximum earthquake count exceeded 50 events at Esan. No volcanic tremor was recorded, and ground deformation and fumarolic conditions at the craters showed no changes. JMA stated that no signs of increasing volcanic activity were recognized. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a 5-level scale). Geological summary: Esan is a small volcanic complex of seven overlapping andesitic-to-dacitic lava domes on the eastern tip of the Oshima Peninsula across the Tsugaru Strait from Honshu. The complex consists of five late Pleistocene and two early Holocene lava domes, Esan and Misaki. A minor phreatic eruption in 1846 produced a mudflow that caused many fatalities. The latest activity was a small eruption in 1874. Active fumaroles occur at a thermal area on the upper NW flank. Etna, Italy 37.748°N, 14.999°E; Elev. 3,357 m The Sezione di Catania – Osservatorio Etneo (INGV) reported that a renewed stronger phase of activity occurred at Etna’s Voragine Crater (VOR) during 6-12 August, continuing the eruptive sequence described in previous reports. An explosion at the summit craters at 0250 on 6 August marked the onset of Strombolian activity at VOR, producing weak ash emissions and plumes that drifted ESE. Explosions of variable frequency ejected coarse material that fell mainly within the crater, weak ash emissions drifting SSW, and a lava flow spilling into the adjacent Northeast Crater (NEC). Beginning at 2230, the Strombolian activity intensified and evolved into lava fountaining, and the eruptive cloud drifted SE. The Aviation Color Code (ACC) was raised first to Orange and then to Red. The lava fountain strengthened overnight during 6-7 August before gradually decreasing. Strong Strombolian activity at VOR continued to produce eruptive clouds that drifted S and SSW, and ashfall was recorded in Ragalna, Adrano, Piano Vetore, and Nicolosi.