The volcano observatory Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (OVPF) reported that a new volcanic unrest started at the volcano.
The latest seismic and deformation data from 1 January might reflect a new magma intrusion and migration under Dolomieu Crater. The seismic activity started to increase at 04:47 local time and by 06:00 local time, the seismic instrument detected approx. 304 volcano-tectonic earthquakes at depth between 1.6-2.3 km. Most of event were less than magnitude M 1. The elevated activity was accompanied by a rapid ground deformation (up to 10 microradians) at the summit.
Magma injection might occur at a 1 km depth under the crater.
Therefore, the volcano observatory raised the alert status of the volcano to Level 1 (Orange).
Source: Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise volcano activity update 12 January 2026