Piton de la Fournaise Sees Second Effusive Eruption in 2026

La Réunion Volcano Activity Intensifies After Seismic Crisis

A second effusive eruption has commenced at Piton de la Fournaise , one of the world’s most active volcanoes, located on La Réunion island. The eruption began at 10:06 local time on February 13 following renewed seismic unrest beneath the summit. Lava is emerging from fissures along the south–south-east flank within the Enclos Fouqué caldera and advancing down the steep Grandes Pentes slopes.

Alert Level and Safety Measures

Authorities activated ORSEC Alert 2–1, indicating that the eruption remains confined within the Enclos Fouqué, an uninhabited volcanic enclosure. As a precaution, all access routes to the caldera, including Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob, were closed. Gendarmerie teams evacuated hikers to prevent exposure to volcanic hazards.

Lava Flow Progression

By early afternoon on February 13, lava flows had descended to approximately 1,500 metres elevation. Later updates indicated that the lava front was nearing National Road 2 (RN2) in the Route des Laves region. Although the road remained operational, authorities prohibited vehicles from stopping to avoid congestion and safety risks.

Seismic Activity and Ground Inflation

Monitoring systems detected intense volcanic tremors, including 551 volcano-tectonic earthquakes beneath the summit. GNSS instruments recorded ground inflation at summit stations, signalling pressurisation of shallow magma reservoirs. Additional inflation at distant stations suggested activity within deeper magma sources.

Background of 2026 Activity

The volcano’s eruptive cycle began on January 18 with fissure eruptions along the northern flank. Lava fountains and flows were observed before effusion ceased on January 20. Continued seismicity and ground deformation indicated ongoing magmatic pressure, culminating in the February eruption.

Exam-Focused Points

• Piton de la Fournaise → Among the most active shield volcanoes globally

• Effusive eruption → Characterised by lava flows, minimal ash

• La Réunion → French overseas department in the Indian Ocean

• GNSS monitoring → Tracks magma-induced ground deformation