Global volcanic activity was reported on November 5, 2026, with several volcanoes exhibiting explosive eruptions and ash emissions. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Darwin warned of an ash plume from Karangetang in Indonesia rising to an estimated 9,000 feet (2,700 m) and moving southwest at 5 knots. Volcano Discovery reported that Ibu in Indonesia also produced an ash plume, estimated at 7,000 feet (2,100 m).
Indonesian Volcanic Activity
Indonesia’s Semeru volcano experienced a strong eruption on the morning of November 5, 2026. A pyroclastic flow descended over the southern slope, likely triggered by the gravitational collapse of the lava dome and a lava flow on the steep slope. The event also formed secondary ash columns, or “phoenix clouds,” that rose about 700 meters above the summit. Pyroclastic flows are deadly, turbulent hot avalanche of lava rock fragments of all sizes embedded in a mixture of turbulent gas and ash racing down slopes.
Dukono in Indonesia was also active, with an ash plume estimated at 8,000 feet (2,400 m) moving southwest at 5 knots.
Volcanic Alerts in the Americas
In the Americas, Sangay in Ecuador produced an ash plume estimated at 19,000 feet (5,800 m). Guatemala’s Santiaguito volcano reported possible volcanic ash emissions, though no ash plume was detected in satellite imagery as of the latest advisory. Forecasts indicated potential southwestward movement of ash from Santiaguito, with no ash expected after 19:00 UTC on November 5. Popocatépetl in Mexico reported sporadic volcanic ash emissions, with the VAAC Washington bulletin stating PSBL CONTG VA EMS.
Other Global Activity
Additional volcanic activity was noted worldwide. Bromo in Indonesia issued a VA REP TO FL090 AT 05/1011Z EST VA DTG: 05/1050Z
. Reventador in Ecuador had occasional volcanic ash emissions, though no specific ash plume height was observed. Puracé in Colombia reported volcanic ash emissions on November 4, but satellite imagery did not detect ash, possibly due to weather clouds. In Japan, Sakurajima had an explosion at 13:17 UTC on November 5, but no volcanic ash cloud was identifiable in satellite data.
