Piton de la Fournaise Eruption: RN2 Road Closure and Safety Measures (2026)

The eruption of the Piton de la Fournaise, which began on February 13, 2026, has been a dramatic and unpredictable event. The lava flow, which was initially frozen on Wednesday evening due to a decrease in activity, resumed its progress just a few hours later, overnight. This active lava flow, the only one since March 3, is descending the Grandes Pentes of the volcano and approaching the RN2 road. At 5:38 am on Thursday, the lava front was just 667 meters from the road.

The prefecture announced the closure of the RN2 road from 3 pm on Thursday, 2026, in the sector of the Enclos, in anticipation of the lava flow crossing the road. This decision was made during a meeting at the prefecture to prepare for the potential crossing of the road by the lava. The prefecture has activated the 2.2 alert phase of the ORSEC volcanic response plan, indicating a high level of risk.

The road will be closed from PR78 in Sainte-Rose to the Citron Galets roundabout in Saint-Philippe. The authorities have set up turning points at these locations, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to access the road, but only up to a designated exclusion zone marked by barriers. Beyond these barriers, access is strictly prohibited due to the risks of proximity to the lava flow, harmful gas emissions, and unstable terrain.

The director of the OVPF, Aline Peltier, emphasized the importance of staying at the observation points and respecting the decrees. She assured the public that, if followed, the decrees would prevent people from being above an active lava tunnel. The lava tunnels are typically visible at night as dark areas among the red-colored resurgence zones. The OVPF director also warned of the potential for gas emissions, which could be pushed by the wind towards sensitive individuals.

The prefecture has implemented strict measures, including the prohibition of parking in certain areas and the requirement to stay on the road, to ensure the safety of residents and visitors while maintaining the fluidity of traffic and access for emergency services. The state services remain fully mobilized to monitor the lava flow's progress and adapt measures as necessary, ensuring a secure and regulated access to the site for observation purposes.