2026 eruption
Earthquakes were recorded at the volcano on 31 March and 25 April 2026. A swarm of seismic activity likely indicated the beginning of an eruption by 01:10 UTC on 8 May. The new eruption is 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) southeast from the site of the 1972 eruption. Plumes of steam and volcanic gasses rising 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) high were visible in satellite imagery on 9–12 May. By 15 May, two separate vents spaced 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) were producing plumes. The eruption's intensity appeared to decline slightly by 25 May, producing less vigorous plumes. The eruption discoloured the water and produced thick pumice rafts, which extended up to 200 kilometres (120 mi) from the volcano. Thermal anomalies detected by satellite and the presence of pumice at the surface suggest the eruption vent is near the sea surface. Prior bathymetry of the area shows a depth of 500–800 metres (1,600–2,600 ft). The characteristics of the erupting vent—such as its original depth and whether it has erupted before—are currently unclear.
The eruption raised concerns over tsunami risk. Local fishermen reported floating dead fish and sounds of deep rumbling near the volcano. Aircraft and ships were advised to avoid the area. Pumice rafts washed ashore on the Admiralty Islands in Manus Province, disrupting local sea travel upon which the region is reliant on for trade, fishing, and access to food and medical services. A large pumice raft in Loniu passage is threatening sea access to Lorengau, the main town on Manus Island. Former Manus MP Ron Knight stated that the pumice rafts have begun to damage local ecosystems Manusians are reliant on, killing fish, coral, and seagrass. By early July, the pumice rafts had broken up and dispersed.
