Quick Read
- Piton de la Fournaise volcano on La Réunion continues its eruption, the second this year.
- Only one fissure vent remains active near Piton Morgabim on the south-southeast flank.
- Lava flows are advancing rapidly, approximately 3 km from the RN2 highway.
- A thermal anomaly was detected from space on February 14, 2026, confirming the eruption.
- The Volcanological Observatory of Piton de la Fournaise is providing continuous updates.
SAINT-DENIS (Azat TV) – The Piton de la Fournaise volcano on France’s La Réunion island continues its ongoing eruption, with a single active fissure vent near Piton Morgabim on the south-southeast flank emitting lava flows that are now advancing rapidly and are approximately three kilometers from the vital RN2 highway. This persistent volcanic activity, which commenced a few hours prior to its detection, marks the second eruption for the prominent shield volcano this year, prompting continuous monitoring by local authorities and volcanological observatories.
Piton de la Fournaise: Single Fissure Remains Active
The Volcanological Observatory of Piton de la Fournaise reported on February 15, 2026, that despite an initial cluster of vents at the eruption’s onset, only one eruptive fissure has sustained activity. This specific vent is situated strategically near Piton Morgabim, contributing to the concentrated lava flow. The continuous emission from this solitary fissure underscores the dynamic nature of the current event, which began with what was described as small lava fountains and a spreading lava flow along a new fissure. The thermal anomaly associated with this eruption was initially detected from space on February 14, 2026, using Sentinel-2 imagery processed by Martin Kelko, confirming the commencement of significant surface activity.
Lava Flow Advances Toward RN2 Highway
The primary concern for residents and infrastructure on La Réunion is the swift progression of the lava flow field. The molten rock is currently advancing at a quick pace, bringing it within an estimated three kilometers of the RN2 highway, a crucial artery connecting various parts of the island. While there have been no immediate reports of direct threats to populated areas, the proximity to a major transportation route necessitates heightened vigilance and preparedness from emergency services. The Volcanological Observatory of Piton de la Fournaise provides regular updates to ensure public safety and inform potential mitigation strategies, as reported by VolcanoDiscovery.
Monitoring the La Réunion Eruption
As a highly active basaltic shield volcano, Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world’s most frequently erupting volcanoes, making regular monitoring a critical aspect of life on La Réunion. The detection of the thermal anomaly from space by Sentinel-2 satellites highlights the advanced technological capabilities deployed to track its activity. This satellite imagery, coupled with ground-based observations by the Volcanological Observatory, allows for comprehensive assessment of the eruption’s evolution, including the precise location of active vents and the trajectory of lava flows. The current event, being the second eruption of 2026, reinforces the volcano’s inherent dynamism and the ongoing need for robust observation systems to safeguard the island’s inhabitants and and infrastructure.
The sustained eruption of Piton de la Fournaise, characterized by a single active fissure and rapidly advancing lava flows towards the RN2 highway, underscores the unique challenges and preparedness requirements for communities living in close proximity to highly active volcanic systems, where continuous, multi-faceted monitoring is paramount for public safety and infrastructure protection.