Fact Check: Authorities raise volcano alert level to most dangerous after eruption.

Fact Check: Authorities raise volcano alert level to most dangerous after eruption

What We Know

The claim that authorities have raised a volcano alert level to the most dangerous level following an eruption is partially supported by recent events, particularly concerning Kilauea in Hawaii. On September 10, 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that an eruption began at Kilauea's Halema‘uma‘u Crater, which prompted the alert level to be raised to "Warning" and the Aviation Color Code to "Red" due to increased seismic activity and ground deformation indicating magma movement towards the surface (source-3).

However, it is crucial to note that the alert level was subsequently lowered back to "Watch" and the Aviation Color Code to "Orange" on September 11, 2023, as the eruption stabilized and the initial high effusion rates declined (source-3). This fluctuation in alert levels indicates that while there was a moment of heightened alert, it was not sustained.

Additionally, the Current Eruptions report indicates that as of May 2, 2025, there were 47 volcanoes in a continuing eruption status, but not all of these eruptions necessarily correspond to the highest alert levels (source-1).

Analysis

The claim's validity hinges on the specific context of the alert levels and the timing of the eruptions. The USGS and other geological observatories closely monitor volcanic activity and issue alerts based on real-time data. The alert levels range from "Normal" to "Warning," with "Red" indicating imminent eruption hazards (source-2).

In the case of Kilauea, the alert level was indeed raised to "Warning" following the eruption, which aligns with the claim. However, the subsequent lowering of the alert level suggests that the situation was not as dire as initially indicated. This fluctuation is important to consider when evaluating the claim, as it reflects the dynamic nature of volcanic activity and the monitoring process.

The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they come from established institutions like the USGS and the Smithsonian Institution, which have extensive experience in volcanic monitoring. However, the media coverage of such events can sometimes exaggerate the implications of alert level changes, leading to public misunderstanding.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While there was a moment when the volcano alert level was raised to a high level following an eruption, the subsequent decrease in alert status indicates that the situation was not as critical as it may have initially appeared. Further research is needed to clarify the context and implications of the alert levels in relation to ongoing volcanic activity.

Sources

1. Current Eruptions
2. Volcano Updates | U.S. Geological Survey
3. Report on Kilauea (United States) — 6 September-12 September 2023
4. Newest Volcano Notice Including Kilauea
5. Volcanic Events - Eruption Summaries Kilauea June 2023
6. Likelihood of Mount Spurr eruption in the next few weeks or months has increased
7. Volcanoes | VMGD
8. Indonesia issues highest alert as Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupts - BBC