In mid-February 2026, Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active shield volcanoes, burst into life again on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean.
Lava fountains and flows poured from vents, slowly advancing down the volcano’s southeastern flank.
On March 13, the molten rock crossed the vital RN2 coastal road for the first time in nearly two decades, cutting off a key transport link.
And now, just days later, on March 17, the glowing rivers finally plunged into the sea, creating massive steam clouds as superheated lava met cool waves.
This marked the first ocean entry since 2007, a rare sight that reshaped part of the coastline and drew huge attention.
WHAT HAPPENED AFTER?
The volcanic eruption did not cause any injuries, though authorities closed roads, monitored gas emissions like hydrochloric acid plumes, and managed minor evacuations in risky zones.
Locals and tourists gathered close, sometimes just metres away, to watch the orange lava tumble down cliffs and crash into the ocean.
Phones captured the nighttime glow, with videos spreading rapidly online. Many deemed it a once-in-a-lifetime experience, despite dangers from heat, toxic fumes, and unstable ground. The event boosted volcano tourism while reminding everyone of nature’s raw power.
Scientists noted the eruption stayed mostly contained within the volcano’s usual zone, but the long flow of the eruption, stretching about 7 kilometres, made it special.
Piton de la Fournaise, driven by a deep hotspot, often erupts several times a year.
This recent and dramatic ocean meeting ended one chapter of the eruption, leaving behind fresh black rock and stories that will last for years.
