Volcanic activity worldwide 1 May 2026: Santiaguito volcano, Pacaya, Fuego, Popocatépetl, Krakatau,…

Map of today's active volcanoes

Map of today’s active volcanoes

Canlaon (Central Philippines): The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the eruption continued at Kanlaon on 30 April 2026 (local). Plume(s) rose to a maximum of 150 m (492 ft) above the vent. Volcanic seismicity was recorded 4 times. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions averaged 1,697 tonnes per day on 30 April. The alert level remained at „1 – Low-Level Unrest“ (on a 0–5 level scale). Activity also included: inflationary deformation, volcanic seismicity.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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Taal (Luzon, Philippines): The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the eruption continued at Taal on 30 April 2026 (local). Plume(s) rose to a maximum of 400 m (1,312 ft) above the vent. The alert level remained at „2 – Moderate Level of Volcanic Unrest“ (on a 0–5 level scale). Activity also included: inflationary deformation.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
… [read more]

Mayon (Luzon Island, Philippines): Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Tokyo (VAAC) issued the following report: ERUPTION AT 20260501/2016Z VA CLD UNKNOWN REPORTED OBS VA DTG:01/2020Z
…1 May:
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the eruption continued at Mayon on 30 April 2026 (local). Lava effusion continued from the summit crater. As of 30 April, lava flow lengths remained at 3.8 km in the Basud Gully (E flank), 3.2 km in the Bonga Gully (SE flank), and 1.6 km in the Mi-isi Gully (S flank). Minor episodic Strombolian activity was recorded at 0901 and 2302 on 30 April. Short-lived lava fountaining was observed between 0215 and 0217 on 30 April. Plume(s) rose to a maximum of 400 m (1,312 ft) above the vent. Volcanic seismicity was recorded 28 times. Tremor episodes were recorded 13 times. There were 221 seismically detected rockfalls. Seismicity related to pyroclastic density currents was recorded 3 times. Crater glow was visible to the naked eye. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions averaged 1,657 tonnes per day on 30 April. Ground deformation indicated short-term deflation across the volcanic edifice, with shorter-term inflation localized on the NE flank. The alert level remained at „3 – Increased Tendency Towards Hazardous Eruption“ (on a 0–5 level scale). Activity also included: seismically detected pyroclastic density current(s) (PDCs), tremor, volcanic seismicity.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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Bulusan (Luzon Island, Philippines): The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that unrest continued at Bulusan on 30 April 2026 (local). Plume(s) were reported. Volcanic seismicity was recorded 92 times. The alert level remained at „1 – Low Level of Volcanic Unrest“ (on a 0–5 level scale). Activity also included: inflationary deformation, volcanic seismicity.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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Telong (northern Sumatra, Indonesia): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Telong, Bur ni on 30 April 2026 (local). The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
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Karangetang (Siau Island, Sangihe Islands, Indonesia): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Karangetang on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas and vapor plume(s) rose to a maximum of 400 m (1,312 ft) above the vent. Gas emission seismicity was recorded 7 times. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale). Activity also included: gas emission seismicity.
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
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Raung (East Java): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Raung on 30 April 2026 (local). The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
… [read more]

Gamalama (Halmahera): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Gamalama on 30 April 2026 (local). The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
… [read more]

Slamet (Central Java, Indonesia): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Slamet on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas and vapor plume(s) rose to a maximum of 100 m (328 ft) above the vent. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
… [read more]

Ibu (Halmahera, Indonesia): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Darwin warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 7000 ft (2100 m) altitude or flight level 070 and is moving at 05 kts in NE direction.
The full report is as follows: VA TO FL070 OBS AT 01/0330Z EST VA DTG:01/1110Z to 7000 ft (2100 m)
…1 May:
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that the eruption continued at Ibu on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas and vapor plume(s) rose to a maximum of 200 m (656 ft) above the vent. There were 103 explosions reported, with plumes rising to a maximum of 500 m (1,640 ft) above the vent. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
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Tangkubanparahu (West Java): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) issued a report for Tangkuban Parahu on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas and vapor plume(s) were reported. The alert level remained at „Level 1 – Normal“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
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Tambora (Sumbawa): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Tambora on 30 April 2026 (local). There was 1 seismically detected rockfall. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
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Lewotobi (Flores): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that the eruption continued at Lewotobi (Laki-Laki) on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas and vapor plume(s) rose to a maximum of 100 m (328 ft) above the vent. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
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Soputan (North Sulawesi, Indonesia): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Soputan on 30 April 2026 (local). The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
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Lewotolo (Lesser Sunda Islands): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that the eruption continued at Lewotolok on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas and vapor plume(s) rose to a maximum of 200 m (656 ft) above the vent. There were 25 seismically detected explosions reported. There was 1 seismically detected rockfall. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
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Sorikmarapi (Sumatra): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Sorikmarapi on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas and vapor plume(s) rose to a maximum of 25 m (82 ft) above the vent. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
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Krakatau (Sunda Strait, Indonesia): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Krakatau on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas plume(s) rose to a maximum of 5 m (16 ft) above the vent. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
… [read more]

Merapi (Central Java, Indonesia): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that the eruption continued at Merapi on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas and vapor plume(s) rose to a maximum of 200 m (656 ft) above the vent. Two pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), or pyroclastic flows, were observed traveling 1,200 m along Kali Boyong. Seismicity related to pyroclastic density currents was recorded 1 times. There were 8 hot rockfalls, traveling up to 1,900 m. There were 124 seismically detected rockfalls. The alert level remained at „Level 3 – Standby“ (on a 4-level scale). Activity also included: seismically detected pyroclastic density current(s) (PDCs).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
… [read more]

Semeru (East Java, Indonesia): Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Darwin (VAAC) issued the following report: ERUPTION REPORTED AT 01/0650Z EST VA DTG:01/1030Z
…1 May:
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that the eruption continued at Semeru on 30 April 2026 (local). There were 67 explosions reported, with plumes rising to a maximum of 600 m (1,969 ft) above the vent. There was 1 seismically detected rockfall. Seismically detected flowage events were recorded 1 times. The alert level remained at „Level 3 – Standby“ (on a 4-level scale). Activity also included: seismically detected flowage event(s).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
… [read more]

Marapi (Western Sumatra, Indonesia): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that the eruption continued at Marapi on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas and vapor plume(s) rose to a maximum of 400 m (1,312 ft) above the vent. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
… [read more]

Dempo (Sumatra): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Dempo on 30 April 2026 (local). The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
… [read more]

Dukono (Halmahera): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Darwin warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 7000 ft (2100 m) altitude or flight level 070 .
The full report is as follows: VA TO FL070 OBS AT 01/0900Z MOV NW EST VA DTG:01/1240Z to 7000 ft (2100 m)
…1 May:
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that the eruption continued at Dukono on 30 April 2026 (local). There were 64 explosions reported, with plumes rising to a maximum of 1,200 m (3,937 ft) above the vent. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
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Kerinci (Sumatra): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Kerinci on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas and vapor plume(s) rose to a maximum of 150 m (492 ft) above the vent. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
… [read more]

Iya (Flores): (1 May) Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Darwin warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 3000 ft (900 m) altitude or flight level 030 and is moving at 10 kts in NW direction.
The full report is as follows: VA TO FL030 REPORTED AT 01/0513Z EST VA DTG:01/0620Z to 3000 ft (900 m)

Lokon-Empung (North Sulawesi, Indonesia): The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG) reported that unrest continued at Lokon-Empung on 30 April 2026 (local). Gas and vapor plume(s) rose to a maximum of 25 m (82 ft) above the vent. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Alert“ (on a 4-level scale).
Source: Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard/Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (CVGHM/PVMBG)
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Kilauea (Hawai’i): The United States Geological Survey – Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS-HVO) reported that there was a pause in eruptive activity at Kilauea between 29 April 2026 (local) and 30 April 2026 (local). Webcam footage captured persistent glow from the south vent, and intermittent glow from the north vent throughout the night. The number of earthquakes detected at the summit decreased compared to 28–29 April; however, activity remained elevated, with 19 small earthquakes recorded (all at or below M2.0), primarily occurring within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. Seismic tremor gradually increased at the summit, with regular and more frequent pulses. Both the north and south vents occasionally produced flames. The alert level remained at „Advisory“ (level 2 on a 4-level scale). The aviation alert level remained at „Yellow“ (level 2 on a 4-level scale).
Source: United States Geological Survey – Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS-HVO)
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Shishaldin (Aleutian Islands, Alaska): The United States Geological Survey – Alaska Volcano Observatory (USGS-AVO) reported that unrest continued at Shishaldin between 29 April 2026 (local) and 30 April 2026 (local). The alert level remained at „Advisory“ (level 2 on a 4-level scale). The aviation alert level remained at „Yellow“ (level 2 on a 4-level scale).
Source: United States Geological Survey – Alaska Volcano Observatory (USGS-AVO)
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Great Sitkin (United States, Aleutian Islands): The United States Geological Survey – Alaska Volcano Observatory (USGS-AVO) reported that the eruption continued at Great Sitkin between 29 April 2026 (local) and 30 April 2026 (local). Lava continued to slowly erupt in the summit crater. Rockfalls generated by the growing lava dome were seismically recorded. The alert level remained at „Watch“ (level 3 on a 4-level scale). The aviation alert level remained at „Orange“ (level 3 on a 4-level scale).
Source: United States Geological Survey – Alaska Volcano Observatory (USGS-AVO)
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Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Washington (VAAC) issued the following report: NO FURTHER VA EMISSIONS
…1 May:
The Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED) reported that the eruption continued at Popocatépetl between 29 April 2026 (local) and 30 April 2026 (local). Ash, gas, and vapor plume(s) were reported. The alert level remained at „Yellow Alert – Phase 2“ (level 4 on a 7-level scale).
Source: Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED)
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Santiaguito (Guatemala): Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Washington (VAAC) issued the following report: OCNL VA EM
…1 May:
The Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología (INSIVUMEH) reported that the eruption continued at Santa María between 29 April 2026 (local) and 30 April 2026 (local). There were explosions reported, occurring at a rate of up to 3 per hour, with plumes rising to a maximum of 800 m (2,625 ft) above the vent.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología (INSIVUMEH)
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Pacaya (Guatemala): The Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología (INSIVUMEH) reported that unrest continued at Pacaya between 29 April 2026 (local) and 30 April 2026 (local). Activity also included: fumarolic activity.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología (INSIVUMEH)
… [read more]

Fuego (Guatemala): Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Washington (VAAC) issued the following report: VA EMS ONGOING
…1 May:
The Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología (INSIVUMEH) reported that the eruption continued at Fuego between 29 April 2026 (local) and 30 April 2026 (local). There were explosions reported, occurring at a rate of up to 10 per hour, with plumes rising to a maximum of 1,037 m (3,402 ft) above the vent. Some explosions ejected incandescent material up to 300 m above the crater.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología (INSIVUMEH)
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Poas (Costa Rica): The Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica – Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA) reported that the eruption continued at Poás between 29 April 2026 (local) and 30 April 2026 (local). Background seismic tremor significantly decreased following the 28 April eruption, then started to increase again by 30 April. Long-period (LP) seismic events continued to be recorded, though at a reduced rate compared to recent months. For reference, the highest number of LP earthquakes at Poás was 500 on 15 March 2026. The alert level remained at „Level 2 – Warning“ (on a 0–4 level scale). The aviation alert level remained at „Yellow“ (level 2 on a 4-level scale).
Source: Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica – Universidad Nacional (OVSICORI-UNA)
… [read more]

Sangay (Ecuador): Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Washington (VAAC) issued the following report: PSBL VA EMS
…1 May:
The Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN) reported that the eruption continued at Sangay between 29 April 2026 (local) and 30 April 2026 (local). There were 471 seismically detected explosions reported. Ash and gas plume(s) rose to a maximum of 1,500 m (4,921 ft) above the vent. The alert level remained at „2 – Yellow“ (on a 4-level scale). Activity also included: thermal anomaly(ies).
Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)
… [read more]

Reventador (Ecuador): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 15000 ft (4600 m) altitude or flight level 150 .
The full report is as follows: VA EM DETECTED to 15000 ft (4600 m)
…1 May:
The Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN) reported that the eruption continued at Reventador between 29 April 2026 (local) and 30 April 2026 (local). There were 98 seismically detected explosions reported. Ash and gas plume(s) rose to a maximum of 1,000 m (3,281 ft) above the vent. There were incandescent rockfalls, descending 1,000 m below the crater. The alert level remained at „3 – Orange“ (on a 4-level scale). Activity also included: thermal anomaly(ies).
Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)
… [read more]

Sabancaya (Peru): Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Buenos Aires (VAAC) issued the following report: INTERMITTENT EMISSION
…1 May:
The Centro Vulcanológico Nacional del Instituto Geofísico del Perú (CENVUL-IGP) reported that the eruption continued at Sabancaya between 29 April 2026 (local) and 30 April 2026 (local). There was 1 explosion reported, with plumes rising to a maximum of 2,500 m (8,202 ft) above the vent. A total of 12 earthquakes related to the movement of magma and gases were recorded. Thermal anomalies were detected 4 times. The alert level remained at „Orange“ (level 3 on a 4-level scale). Activity also included: thermal anomaly(ies).
Source: Centro Vulcanológico Nacional del Instituto Geofísico del Perú (CENVUL-IGP)
… [read more]

Volcano Activity Summary for 1 May 2026:

Mayon Volcano Volcanic Ash Advisory: ERUPTION AT 20260501/1139Z FL090 EXTD WSW REPORTED OBS VA DTG: 01/1240Z

Satellite image of Mayon volcano on 1 May 2026

Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Tokyo (VAAC) issued the following report:

FVFE01 at 13:06 UTC, 01/05/26 from RJTD
VA ADVISORY
DTG: 20260501/1306Z
VAAC: TOKYO
VOLCANO: MAYON 273030
PSN: N1315 E12341
AREA: PHILIPPINES
SOURCE ELEV: 2462M AMSL
ADVISORY NR: 2026/551
INFO SOURCE: HIMAWARI-9 PHIVOLCS
ERUPTION DETAILS: ERUPTION AT 20260501/1139Z FL090 EXTD WSW REPORTED
OBS VA DTG: 01/1240Z
OBS VA CLD: VA NOT IDENTIFIABLE FM SATELLITE DATA WIND FL090 090/15KT

FCST VA CLD +6 HR: NOT AVBL
FCST VA CLD +12 HR: NOT AVBL
FCST VA CLD +18 HR: NOT AVBL
RMK: WE WILL ISSUE FURTHER ADVISORY IF VA IS DETECTED IN SATELLITE
IMAGERY.
NXT ADVISORY: NO FURTHER ADVISORIES=

‘I said a prayer for the house’s protection; I asked it to stay, to wait for our return’: Notes from a trip to southern Lebanon

The outbreak of conflict has had a devastating human rights impact on millions across the Middle East, affecting civilians in at least 12 countries. More than 5,000 people have been killed, tens of thousands injured, and millions displaced across the region.

 In Lebanon, at least 2,567 people have been killed, including 103 healthcare workers. Despite a fragile ceasefire, attacks there have continued in recent days. Israeli forces retain control of land in southern Lebanon and are deliberately destroying civilian infrastructure and homes there.

Bissan Fakih, MENA Campaigner at Amnesty International, describes her first trip to her family home in southern Lebanon amidst the shaky ceasefire.

 I was relieved when we crossed the makeshift bridge at Qasmiye. It was hastily constructed after Israeli air strikes destroyed it, but easy to drive on. It also meant I was approaching home. Bridges over the Litani River, connecting southern Lebanon to rest of the country, had been blown up one after the other in Israeli air strikes.

With the 10-day ceasefire of the Israel-Hezbollah war set to expire, I had decided to drive to the southern coastal city of Tyre, to check on my family home and check on the city in case it was going to be bombed again.

Rescue workers still searching for bodies

I arrived at the site of an Israeli air strike, on a usually bustling street on Tyre’s waterfront. The strike came only a few minutes before the ceasefire took effect at midnight on 17 April. I imagine the people in those buildings had thought they survived the war. Rescue workers were still looking for bodies. They said 26 people had been killed in the attack.

A man at the site told me there was one person still beneath the rubble. He pointed at a weary looking rescue worker from the Risala Scouts – a civil defence organization – who was directing the search now on its fifth day and said he could answer my questions. I said a few words of respect given all that he and his colleagues had been through. Dozens of healthcare workers and first responders in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli air strikes since 2 March 2026 yet they continued to run into danger to save lives.

A man speaking to a reporter nearby pointed to a set of tattooed lines on his right arm. He pointed line by line yelling “gone!” at each one. They were the names of his family members.  “Only this one remains… They are not Hezbollah, where is Hezbollah?”

Most cars and motorcycles I passed had the photos of people killed in the fighting plastered on them. In the few hours I was there, there were three funerals. All of Tyre felt like one big funeral, and I guessed all of southern Lebanon did. In a village a short drive away, journalist Amal Khalil was being laid to rest after being killed in Israeli air strikes the previous day, despite the so-called ceasefire.

Close by, a temporary burial site used in the 2024 war, had rows of freshly dug numbered graves for people who couldn’t be buried in their ancestral villages because Israeli soldiers are still holding them as part of a ‘security zone’.

Despite the rubble around us, Tyre, either oblivious or out of a mothering kindness, was in her full April glory, all blue skies and clear blue water and swaying palm trees.

Home

My grandma has been gone for many years, but the house still smelled of her when I opened the door. No one was there – my family was displaced to my home in Beirut. They were among more than one million people who have been displaced since 2 March by the Israeli military’s overly broad mass evacuation orders.

I almost jumped out of my skin at the sound of a nearby explosion, automatically thinking it was an air strike. I realized then that it was likely the Israelis detonating homes in nearby villages. Relief followed by anguish. The so-called security zone Israel is holding several kilometres into Lebanon, and the Israeli army has been destroying civilian infrastructure and blowing up homes in the area.

The ceasefire was still holding in our neighbourhood, but I was tense being in an empty building and I worked quickly.

I packed a huge bag of loose photographs. I had made it my winter holiday project to organize our family photos into albums and move them to my home in Beirut, fearing they could get destroyed in another round of fighting, but I hadn’t gotten through them all. I also grabbed some warm weather clothes for my grandpa since the weather had changed during his displacement and some cake stands of my mom’s I’d been eyeing without the temerity to ask for or take, before locking up the house.

I kissed the door frame before I left and said a prayer for the house’s protection; I asked it to stay, to wait for our return. And then I superstitiously regretted it – I had always walked out of this house nonchalantly. Perhaps I jinxed it by giving the goodbye so much meaning.

Living through the war we are documenting

Everyone on the Amnesty International team in Beirut has been affected in one way or another. Some of us are hosting displaced people; others have themselves been displaced. The researchers and campaigners covering violations in Lebanon are living through the war they are documenting.

Days like Black Wednesday, on 8 April, when Israeli forces killed more than 357 people in air strikes across Lebanon including in crowded civilian areas in Beirut, came frighteningly close to our homes and our office.

As we hear air strikes and worry about our own safety and that of our families, we also worry about the safety of the people whose cases we work on across the region, and we continue that work.

Despite the fragile ceasefire, the worry and grief have not eased. The destruction of homes and the killing of civilians in southern Lebanon, including of first responders, continues. Israeli surveillance drones circle overhead in Beirut too – a nauseating reminder that death from above could revisit our homes and places of refuge at any time.

My family is eager to go home, to be on our balcony, see our neighbours and enjoy the scents and comfort of the south. That cannot happen until we have a real, enduring ceasefire and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon.

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The post ‘I said a prayer for the house’s protection; I asked it to stay, to wait for our return’: Notes from a trip to southern Lebanon appeared first on Amnesty International.