Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 18000 ft (5500 m) altitude or flight level 180 and is moving at 5 kts in NW direction. The full report is as follows:
FVXX24 at 00:49 UTC, 10/12/25 from KNES VA ADVISORY DTG: 20251210/0047Z
RMK: CONT VA EMS RPRTD MOV TO NW OF SUMMIT. VA NOT OBS IN STLT IMAGERY. NWP MDL GUIDANCE FCST CONT MOV TO NW AND W THRU T+18HRS. VO ACT MODERATE. …FISHER
Ibu (Halmahera, Indonesia): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Darwin warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 6000 ft (1800 m) altitude or flight level 060 and is moving at 15 kts in S direction. The full report is as follows: VA TO FL060 LAST REPORTED AT 09/1205Z EST VA DTG:09/1240Z to 6000 ft (1800 m)
Dukono (Halmahera): (9 Dec) 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 PLUME TO FL070 OBS AT 09/0110Z MOV SE OBS VA DTG:09/0110Z to 7000 ft (2100 m)
White Island (New Zealand): (9 Dec) Since 30 October, the volcano has experienced a minor volcanic eruption. Ash emissions were mainly identified through satellite imagery and were occasionally visible on webcams. However, observations from last week’s gas flight, GeoNet cameras in the Bay of Plenty, and recent satellite data indicate that the explosive activity has now ceased, with no detectable ash emissions. Recent views from the Whakatāne and Te Kaha cameras, together with last week’s gas measurements, show reduced activity at the active vent. No eruptions or ash emissions have been observed during the past week. Volcanic gases are still present, but the amount of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) measured has decreased compared to earlier levels. MetService has also reported no volcanic ash in the plume during this period, based on satellite monitoring. Given the absence of further eruptive activity and ash emissions over the past week, the Volcanic Alert Level has been lowered to 2 (moderate to heightened unrest) and reduced the Aviation Colour Code to Yellow. Although the activity has paused, conditions could change rapidly. Sudden, more explosive events remain possible and could impact the crater floor and surrounding areas of the island.
Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 18500 ft (5600 m) altitude or flight level 185 and is moving at 20 kts in E direction. The full report is as follows: LGT VA AND GASES to 18500 ft (5600 m)
Santiaguito (Guatemala): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 14000 ft (4300 m) altitude or flight level 140 . The full report is as follows: NEW VA EMS to 14000 ft (4300 m)
Fuego (Guatemala): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 14000 ft (4300 m) altitude or flight level 140 and is moving at 10 kts in W direction. The full report is as follows: CONT VA EMS to 14000 ft (4300 m)
Puracé (Colombia): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 18000 ft (5500 m) altitude or flight level 180 and is moving at 5 kts in E direction. The full report is as follows: VONA RPRTS AND CONFIRMED IN SAT to 18000 ft (5500 m)
Sangay (Ecuador): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 19000 ft (5800 m) altitude or flight level 190 . The full report is as follows: VA SEEN IN SAT MOV NNE to 19000 ft (5800 m)
Reventador (Ecuador): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 16000 ft (4900 m) altitude or flight level 160 . The full report is as follows: CONS VA EMS SEEN IN SAT to 16000 ft (4900 m)
Sabancaya (Peru): (9 Dec) Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Buenos Aires warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 21000 ft (6400 m) altitude or flight level 210 and is moving at 10 kts in SW direction. The full report is as follows: PUFF EMISSION to 21000 ft (6400 m)
A year after the enforced disappearance of Steven Medina, Nehemías Arboleda, Josué Arroyo and Ismael Arroyo, their relatives continue to demand justice, truth and reparation.
The “four children from Las Malvinas”, as they have become publicly known, were detained on8 December 2024 by members of the armed forces during a security operation in the Las Malvinas community in the city of Guayaquil. Their bodies were found on 24 December 2024 near a military base in Taura, in the province of Guayas, bearing signs of torture.
“We express our admiration and solidarity with the fight of the families of the four disappeared children from Las Malvinas. We are at a critical moment for the observance of human rights in Ecuador. These enforced disappearances not only deeply shocked the country, but also evidenced the failure of President Noboa’s security policy. The families of these children and of all the victims of enforced disappearances at the hands of the armed forces in the Ecuadorian coastal region have a right to justice, truth and comprehensive reparation,” said Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International.
The families of these children and of all the victims of enforced disappearances at the hands of the armed forces in the Ecuadorian coastal region have a right to justice, truth and comprehensive reparation.”
Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International.
At the beginning of this year, the Public Prosecutor’s Office filed charges within the framework of their investigation against 16 military officers for their alleged involvement in the events. These individuals are currently being held in pretrial detention. In April, additional charges were filed against a colonel. In October, the 17 suspects were brought to a trial which has held numerous hearings in the last few weeks and is currently at the stage of closing arguments. The Constitutional Court of Ecuador is also examining these crimes.
In September of this year, Amnesty International published the report “It was the military. I saw them”, detailing the enforced disappearance of 10 persons, including the “four children from Las Malvinas”. The investigation, presented in Guayaquil, concludes that the militarized security strategy driven by President Daniel Noboa has enabled serious human rights violations to be committed, including those of enforced disappearance which are crimes under international law.
According to information provided by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, there were 43 recorded disappearances in Ecuador’s coastal region as of September 2025 in the context of security operations by the armed forces during 2024. Amnesty International considers that the biggest obstacle to date for victims and their families to obtain justice is a lack of cooperation from the armed forces in the criminal investigations that are being conducted.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact press@amnesty.org
Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 16000 ft (4900 m) altitude or flight level 160 . The full report is as follows:
FVXX20 at 15:17 UTC, 09/12/25 from KNES VA ADVISORY DTG: 20251209/1514Z
RMK: UPDATED VAA AS VA GETTING FARTHER OUT THAN FCSTD. CONS VA SEEN IN SAT MOV NE AND EXTDG ARND 35 NM FM SUMMIT. FCST CONFIDENCE BEYOND T+6 HRS IS LOW. MOV AND HGT BASED ON SAT AND GUIDANCE. …KIBLER
Responding to a new Australian law prohibiting children and young people under 16 from using social media, Damini Satija, Programme Director at Amnesty Tech said:
“A ban is an ineffective quick fix that’s out of step with the realities of a generation that lives both on and offline. The most effective way to protect children and young people online is by protecting all social media users through better regulation, stronger data protection laws and better platform design. Robust safeguards are needed to ensure social media platforms stop exposing users to harms through their relentless pursuit of user engagement and exploitation of people’s personal data.
“While social media platforms’ practices are harmful to younger users, young people also have a right to express themselves online, access information and participate in the digital town square. Social media provides opportunities for inclusion, connection, creativity, learning, health information and entertainment, all of which are beneficial to their mental health.
Damini Satija, Programme Director at Amnesty Tech
“Many young people will no doubt find ways to avoid the restrictions. A ban simply means they will continue to be exposed to the same harms but in secret, leaving them at even greater risk. The Australian government must empower young people with education and tools to navigate social media safely. It must also put pressure on social media platforms to stop putting profit over the safety of users. We must build a pathway towards a digitally safe society, relying on regulation as one of the tools at our disposal.”
Background
From 10 December, social media companies must prevent under-16s in Australia from opening accounts and remove existing accounts from their platforms.
Other countries are considering similar measures. On 26 November, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) announced their support for an EU-wide minimum age of 16 for access to social media, video-sharing platforms and AI companions. Last week Malaysia also announced plans to introduce a blanket ban for children under 16 years.
