Piton de la Fournaise Eruption Intensifies in February

A second effusive eruption has begun at Piton de la Fournaise on La Réunion island, following renewed seismic unrest beneath the summit. The eruption commenced at 10:06 local time on February 13 after a fresh seismic crisis. Lava is flowing from fissures on the south–south-east flank within the Enclos Fouqué caldera, descending the steep Grandes Pentes slopes.

Authorities activated ORSEC Alert 2–1 and closed access to the caldera. The alert level indicates an eruption confined within the Enclos, with no direct threat to populated areas.

Fissure Activity and Lava Advance

By around 13:00 local time on February 13, lava flows had descended to approximately 1,500 metres elevation. By 21:30, local authorities reported that the lava front was approaching National Road 2 (RN2) in the Route des Laves sector. Although the road remained open, drivers were instructed not to stop to prevent congestion and accidents.

All access points to the Enclos Fouqué, including Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob, were closed. Gendarmerie units evacuated hikers present inside the caldera. As of February 14, lava effusion continues within the uninhabited enclosure, with no significant ash emissions reported.

Seismic Signals and Ground Deformation

Monitoring networks recorded 551 summit volcano-tectonic earthquakes on February 13, along with two deeper events. GNSS measurements showed inflation at summit stations, indicating pressurisation of a shallow magmatic reservoir. More distant stations also recorded inflation, consistent with pressurisation of a deeper magma source.

Earlier in February, a seismic swarm of 343 small earthquakes occurred beneath the summit, accompanied by slight ground deformation linked to magma intrusion. Scientists had warned that the magma supply system remained under pressure and could lead to renewed surface activity.

January Eruption and Renewed Pressurisation

The 2026 volcanic activity began with an eruption on January 18 after a seismic crisis earlier that day. Four fissures opened along the northern flank inside the caldera. Lava fountains reached heights of up to 20 metres, and flows advanced around 0.6 km toward the Grandes Pentes. Effusion ceased by January 20, leaving only gas emissions and cooling lava incandescence.

Important Facts for Exams

• Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes in the Indian Ocean region.
• La Réunion is a French overseas department located east of Madagascar.
• Effusive eruptions involve lava flows with limited explosive ash emissions.
• GNSS monitoring helps detect ground deformation linked to magma movement.

Ongoing Monitoring and Risk Assessment

Between January 21 and 28, around 20 shallow volcano-tectonic earthquakes per day were recorded beneath the summit, along with long-period events linked to fluid movement. Continued summit inflation indicated re-pressurisation of the shallow reservoir. Authorities maintain heightened monitoring as lava effusion persists within the confined caldera, with no immediate threat to inhabited zones.