The Weekly Volcanic Activity Report: May 21-27, 2026

Volcanic activity and unrest were reported at several sites worldwide during the week of May 21-27, 2026, including new activity at Dukono in Indonesia, Nevado de Longaví in Chile, Sinabung in Indonesia, and Titan Ridge in Papua New Guinea. Ongoing eruptions continued at multiple volcanoes such as Aira and Asamayama in Japan, Bezymianny and Sheveluch in Russia, Kilauea in the United States, and Mayon in the Philippines. Authorities maintained alert levels and issued warnings to nearby populations to mitigate risks. At Dukono, located on northern Halmahera Island, eruptive activity persisted with ash plumes rising between 300 and 1,600 meters above the summit. The volcano’s alert level remained at 2 on a 4-point scale, with the public advised to stay at least 4 kilometers from the Malupang Warirang Crater. Dukono has a history of almost continuous explosive eruptions since 1933, and its broad, low-profile edifice contains multiple overlapping craters, including the Malupang Wariang crater, which has also produced eruptions in the past. In Chile, Nevado de Longaví experienced a significant increase in seismic activity, with more than 400 volcano-tectonic earthquakes recorded between May 20 and 22. The largest event registered a local magnitude of 4.3, and seismic sources were located 3 to 5 kilometers southwest of the crater at depths around 3 kilometers. This elevated seismicity prompted the Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) to raise the alert level to Yellow, the second lowest on a four-color scale. Nearby communities, including Longaví, Linares, and Colbún, were placed under a “Preventative Early Warning” status by SENAPRED to ensure preparedness. These developments highlight the ongoing monitoring efforts and the importance of early warning systems in volcanic regions. The increased seismicity at Nevado de Longaví, despite no observed eruptions, underscores the potential for future volcanic activity. Meanwhile, continuous eruptions at Dukono and other volcanoes emphasize the persistent volcanic hazards in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and other active volcanic zones worldwide.