Indonesia led today’s activity, with Lewotolok producing 524 seismically detected explosions and ash-and-gas plumes to 500 m. Semeru and Ibu were also busy, while Ecuador’s Sangay was flagged for increased activity. On Reunion, Piton de la Fournaise moved to Alert 2-1 as Popocatepetl and several Philippine volcanoes maintained ongoing unrest.
Indonesia
At Lewotolok, activity surged with 524 seismically detected explosions and ash-and-gas plumes rising up to 500 m. Frequent activity was also noted at Semeru (120 explosions and five rockfalls) and Ibu (117 explosions), while Dukono produced a single explosion. Unrest persisted at Lewotobi with low gas plumes around 50 m, and at several others including Merapi (Level 3 – Standby), Kerinci, Karangetang, Raung, Sangeang Api, Lokon-Empung, Iliwerung, and Awu; two—Talang and Tangkuban Parahu—were at background levels.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Mayon remained at Alert Level 3, while Kanlaon and Taal held at Levels 2 and 1, respectively, amid ongoing unrest.
Mexico
Mexico’s Popocatepetl stayed at Yellow Alert – Phase 2.
South America
In Ecuador, Sangay was flagged for increased activity as Reventador continued erupting. Peru’s Sabancaya registered nine earthquakes linked to internal fluid movement and a thermal anomaly. Colombia’s Purace remained at Orange Alert.
Africa
On Reunion Island, Piton de la Fournaise shifted to Alert 2-1.
Other
In Costa Rica, Poas kept its eruption at Level 2 – Warning, while Rincon de la Vieja and Turrialba showed unrest at the same level.
Source: Smithsonian/USGS GVP Daily Volcanic Activity Report (20 January 2026).
Activity Summary for 20 January 2026
| Volcano | Country | Activity Type | Keynotes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dukono | Indonesia | Eruption | 1 explosion; continuing activity. |
| Ibu | Indonesia | Eruption | 117 explosions; explosive activity ongoing. |
| Kanlaon | Philippines | Eruption | Eruption ongoing; Alert Level 2 – Moderate unrest. |
| Lewotolok | Indonesia | Eruption | 524 explosions; ash and gas to 500 m. |
| Marapi | Indonesia | Eruption | Eruption ongoing; Alert Level 2. |
| Mayon | Philippines | Eruption | Eruption ongoing; Alert Level 3 – Increased tendency toward hazardous eruption. |
| Merapi | Indonesia | Eruption | Gas-and-steam plume to 20 m. |
| Piton de la Fournaise | France | Alert status | Alert 2-1 in effect. |
| Popocatepetl | Mexico | Eruption | Eruption ongoing; Yellow Alert – Phase 2. |
| Poas | Costa Rica | Eruption | Eruption ongoing; Level 2 – Warning. |
| Purace | Colombia | Eruption | Eruption ongoing; Orange Alert. |
| Reventador | Ecuador | Eruption | Eruption ongoing; Alert Level 3 – Orange. |
| Sabancaya | Peru | Eruption | 9 earthquakes; thermal anomaly detected. |
| Sangay | Ecuador | Eruption | Eruptive activity increased; Alert Level 2 – Yellow. |
| Semeru | Indonesia | Eruption | 120 explosions; 5 rockfalls. |
| Taal | Philippines | Eruption | Eruption ongoing; Alert Level 1 – Low-level unrest. |
| Awu | Indonesia | Unrest | Ongoing unrest; Alert Level 2. |
| Bur ni Telong | Indonesia | Unrest | Ongoing unrest; Alert Level 2. |
| Iliwerung | Indonesia | Unrest | Ongoing unrest; Alert Level 2. |
| Karangetang | Indonesia | Unrest | Ongoing unrest; Alert Level 2. |
| Kerinci | Indonesia | Unrest | Ongoing unrest; Alert Level 2. |
| Lewotobi | Indonesia | Unrest | Gas-and-steam plume 50 m; unrest ongoing. |
| Lokon-Empung | Indonesia | Unrest | Ongoing unrest; Alert Level 2. |
| Raung | Indonesia | Unrest | Ongoing unrest; Alert Level 2. |
| Rincon de la Vieja | Costa Rica | Unrest | Ongoing unrest; Level 2 – Warning. |
| Sangeang Api | Indonesia | Unrest | Ongoing unrest; Alert Level 2. |
| Turrialba | Costa Rica | Unrest | Ongoing unrest; Level 2 – Warning. |
| Talang | Indonesia | Background | Background state; Alert Level 1 – Normal. |
| Tangkuban Parahu | Indonesia | Background | Background state; Alert Level 1 – Normal. |