Piton de la Fournaise Eruption: Lava Reaches RN2 National Road for First Time Since 2007

Lava from the Piton de la Fournaise volcano reached and cut off the RN2 national road on Reunion Island on March 13, 2026, marking the first time the arterial route has been blocked by volcanic activity in 19 years. The flow crossed the road at kilometer point 80 in the Saint-Philippe sector on the southern flank of the volcano. Local authorities confirmed that the molten rock reached the pavement on Friday, effectively severing the primary connection between the southern and eastern parts of the French overseas department. This specific event is the first instance of lava reaching the RN2 since a major eruption in 2007. The RN2 national road remains closed to traffic in the affected area as the flow continues to accumulate. Piton de la Fournaise is a shield volcano rising 2,632 meters above sea level and is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Similar to the Hawaiian island chain, its activity is driven by a volcanic hotspot in the Indian Ocean. The volcano's most significant recent disruption to the island's infrastructure occurred in 2007, when massive lava flows reached the sea after crossing the coastal highway.

The current eruption began on January 18, 2026, following a period of increased seismic activity monitored by the Volcanological Observatory of Piton de la Fournaise. Over the course of nearly two months, three distinct branches of lava traveled approximately 7 kilometers down the volcano's slopes before reaching the coastal infrastructure. Experts noted that the flow moved through the Grand Brûlé, a steep and uninhabited zone specifically prone to such volcanic events. Although the road is a vital transport link, the blockage occurred in a region where no residential buildings or private properties were at risk. The volcanological observatory continues to track the progression of the molten rock toward the ocean. 7 (kilometers) — distance traveled by lava branches before reaching road

Despite the disruption to regional travel, the event has attracted significant public interest, with hundreds of residents and tourists gathering near the safety perimeter to witness the spectacle. Local reports indicate that over a thousand people have visited the Saint-Philippe area since the lava approached the road, with many describing the sight as a rare natural phenomenon. Authorities have established security zones to ensure that spectators remain at a safe distance from the high-temperature flows and volcanic gases. No injuries or structural damage to homes have been reported, as the path of the lava remained within the designated volcanic enclosure. The local government is currently evaluating the long-term impact on the island's logistics, as the eastern route remains split in two. „C'est une opportunité unique” (It is a unique opportunity) — Local resident via Franceinfo Piton de la Fournaise Eruption 2026: — ; — ; —