Seismic activity triggers new eruption at Réunion’s active volcano

A powerful eruption of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano occurred on Friday, February 13, on Réunion Island, with lava activity observed south of the Dolomieu crater.

According to the French agency Orange, the eruption was confirmed by the Piton de la Fournaise Volcanological Observatory (OVPF) and a scientific research institute involved in monitoring the volcano.

Seismic activity intensified at approximately 9:25 a.m., marking the start of a seismic crisis, while volcanic tremors — indicating the upward movement of magma — were detected beginning at 10:00 a.m. Observatory director Aline Peltier said the eruption had been anticipated, noting that strong seismic activity and inflation of the volcano had been observed following a previous eruption a week earlier. “For us, this was not unexpected: following the last eruption a week ago, strong seismic activity and inflation of the volcano had been observed,” she explained.

During the eruption, eight tourists were located only a few meters from active lava fountains before being safely rescued. Witnesses later recalled, “We didn’t have time to film — we just ran for shelter.”

Authorities subsequently closed access to the caldera, and the prefect of Réunion declared Alert Level 2.1 under the ORSEC emergency response plan. Officials reported that no direct threat to people, property, or the environment had been identified.

The latest event marks the second eruption of Piton de la Fournaise this year. The first took place on January 18 after two and a half years of volcanic inactivity and lasted for two days, drawing large numbers of visitors to the observation area at the Pas de Bellecombe pass.

By Tamilla Hasanova