Mysterious and uncontrollable, volcanoes have fascinated mankind for thousands of years. These giants of nature are unpredictable, as recent events have shown. Many areas in the world depend on the moods of these explosive or effusive mountains and their awakening often causes amazement and fear in the surrounding populations. FromIceland to the Philippines viaItaly, let's discover the most active volcanoes in the world.
N° 10 - Tavurvur, Papua New Guinea
Tavurvur is located on the island of New Britain, in Rabaul Bay, Papua New Guinea. It is one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the country. In 1994, a violent eruption completely devastated the city of Rabaul: it is now almost deserted. Since then, the eruptions are repeated. In August 2014, its volcanic ash clouds had even disrupted the airspace!
N° 9 - Nevado del Ruiz volcano, Colombia
This volcano in the Andes, 130 km from Bogota, is one of the highest in Colombia: it culminates at 5,321 m altitude. It is at the origin of one of the most deadly volcanic eruptions in history. In 1985, after 69 years of sleep, an eruption caused a devastating mudflow due to the glaciers that surround the volcano. More than 35,000 people were killed during their sleep in the towns of Armero and Chinchiná.
N° 8 - The Taal, Philippines
On the island of Luzon, only 60 km south of the capital, Manila, lies a disturbing wonder of nature: the Taal volcano. Don't be fooled by its small size, it is the smallest active volcano in the world but also the most dangerous in the Philippines! Located in the middle of Taal Lake, its crater is filled with water. This complex tangle offers a splendid landscape, where two of the four elements meet.
No. 7 - The Sakurajima, Japan
Just 5 miles from the city of Kagoshima, on the island of Kyūshū, Japan, lies Sakurajima. This volcano, whose name literally means "island of cherry trees," was formed 22,000 years ago. Its volcanic activity is very intense and continuous and the area is under constant threat. Its last major eruption was in March 2017, but there are many small explosions throughout the year, constantly threatening the area.
No. 6 - Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo
In the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, "the one who smokes", or Mount Nyiragongo, dominates the city of Goma. It is the most active volcano in Africa and is part of the Virunga chain. Its lava lake that can spill over its slopes very quickly makes it extremely dangerous, especially for the surrounding populations. On January 17, 2002, one of its eruptions killed 147 people.
N° 5 - Eyjafjöll, Iceland
The Eyjafjallajökull is certainly the most famous of the 13 Icelandic ice caps. It owes this fame to the volcano it houses: Eyjafjöll. It erupted in March 2010, remained active for 7 months and paralyzed the airspace for almost a week because of its ash clouds! Today, the glacier is quiet and can be explored by hikers and is one of the most beautiful landscapes inIceland.
No. 4 - Mount Agung, Indonesia
Located in Indonesia, on the island of Bali, Mount Agung is the highest point. There are five recorded eruptions of this volcano: in 1808, 1843, 1863 and 2017 and the most recent, very impressive, on June 13, 2019. At the heart of the news, Mount Agung is becoming more and more threatening. Its seismic activity is currently constantly monitored and the ascent of the mountain, which is one of the main tourist activities of the island, is prohibited.
N° 3 - The Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island, France
This is the most visited place on Reunion Island, and the show is really worth the detour! The Piton de la Fournaise is the third most active volcano in the world with an average eruption every 9 months. Its spectacular colors delight photographers and tourists who come in numbers. Many hikes are possible on the mountain sides, but you can only approach the craters with the authorization of the prefecture!
N° 2 - Etna, Italy
On the east coast of Sicily, Etna dominates by its splendor. Admired and adored, it appeared many times in Greek mythology as the forge of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. Symbol of the island, it frequently erupts and offers a grandiose and terrible spectacle from the city of Catania that shakes every time the monster awakens. Etna is the second most active volcano in the world, and the first in Europe.
No. 1 - Kilauea, Hawaii, Éunited States
With 52 eruptions during the 20th century, Kilauea is the most active volcano in the world! Located on the eastern tip of the island ofHawaii, it rises to an altitude of more than 1,246 meters. One of its eruptive mouths, Pu'u 'Ō'ō, has been continuously erupting since January 3, 1983! According to one legend, Kilauea is the home of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire. She would be the one to trigger the eruptions by stamping her foot... Be careful not to disturb her too much!
