1432 French volcano eruption worsens and scientists increase vigilance
EN English (FR IT PT SP)
21 Mar 2026
The eruption of Piton de la Fornes on Reunion Island has intensified, with lava crossing the main coastal highway and reaching the ocean. This has created a new coastline and disrupted traffic, impacting thousands of residents and tourists. The eruption, which began on February 13th, 2026, has been closely monitored by scientists due to its potential impact on the island.
The eruption at Piton de la Fournaise is intensifying, with increased lava flow, seismic activity, and gas emissions. The situation is concerning due to the potential for a prolonged eruption, further coastline expansion, and the risk of a mega-tsunami from a potential collapse of the volcano’s eastern flank. Residents are advised to monitor air quality and stay informed about the evolving situation.
KeyPoints
- EruptiKeyPointson Intensity: The eruption of Piton de la Fornes is intensifying, with lava flow increasing and volcanic tremor growing.
- Lava Flow Impact: Lava has crossed the main coastal highway and entered the ocean, extending the coastline by 85 meters.
- Eruption Significance: This eruption is significant as it is the first time in 19 years that lava has reached the ocean, indicating a potential change in the volcano’s eruptive pattern.
- Lava Emission and Distance: The volcano emitted 13-15 million cubic metres of lava in one month, enough to fill 6,000 Olympic swimming pools, travelling 7km from the eruption site to sea level.
- Alert Level and Highway Closure: Authorities raised the alert level to phase 2 on March 12th as the lava approached the main coastal highway (RN2), leading to its preemptive closure in the Grand Boule sector.
- Lava Crossing the Highway: On March 13th, the lava reached and crossed the RN2 for the first time since 2007, marking a significant event for the island.
- Lava Flow Impact: The lava flow disrupted traffic, impacted tourism, and necessitated increased security measures.
- Lava Flow Progress: The lava flow advanced at varying speeds, reaching the coast on March 16th.
- Lava-Water Interaction: The contact between the lava and seawater resulted in a toxic plume.
- Laze Hazard: Inhaling the acidic mist (laze) from lava and haze can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.
- Ocean Impact: Ocean water temperatures around the lava entry point are dangerously high, affecting marine life and creating an unstable lava platform.
- Intensifying Eruption: Lava fountains, eusion rate, eruptive tremor, and seismic activity are all increasing, indicating a significant escalation of the eruption.
- Volcanic Activity: The volcano is showing signs of increased activity, including inflation, increased sulphur dioxide emissions, and a resumption of lava flow.
- Potential Hazards: The increased volcanic activity poses risks such as air pollution, potential highway disruptions, and the possibility of a landslide on the eastern flank.
- Unstable Flank: The eastern flank of the volcano is considered unstable and could potentially collapse, although a large-scale collapse is not considered imminent.
- Long-Term Risk: Based on scientific research, the risk is real but the time frame is long.
- Piton de la Fournaise Eruption: The eruption shows no signs of slowing down, with lava flow, ocean boiling, and new land creation.
- Sulphur Dioxide Pollution: Pollution alerts issued in communities like Borg Murra, residents advised to stay aware of air quality.