The Digester

Piton de la Fournaise lava reaches ocean on Réunion after 19 years

Mar 16th 2026

After roughly a month of activity, lava from the Piton de la Fournaise volcano poured into the sea on Réunion island, drawing crowds and prompting road closures while officials monitored the situation.

  • Lava from Piton de la Fournaise reached the ocean on Réunion for the first time in 19 years.
  • The eruption began about one month ago and led to flows reaching the coastline.
  • Residents and tourists gathered at viewing points to watch molten rock enter the sea.
  • Authorities closed nearby roads and monitored the area with helicopters.
  • Lava advanced through forested areas before reaching the coast, producing dramatic scenes.

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