The Lava Just Cooled, The Storm Just Passed, and The Sharks Are Waiting

If you are landing at Roland Garros Airport today, you have impeccable, heartbreaking timing. You missed the fireworks by roughly 72 hours. Reunion Island in late January 2026 is a land of extremes. The volcano just finished a short, violent temper tantrum, a cyclone just brushed past, and the waterfalls are currently terrifyingly beautiful.

The Volcano: You Missed It (Barely)

Piton de la Fournaise erupted on January 18, 2026, spewing fountains of lava in the Enclos Fouqué.

• The Bad News: As of January 20/21, the eruption has officially paused/stopped, and the alert level has lowered to “Vigilance.”
• The Impact: The Enclos (the main caldera) is likely still closed to hikers while the scientists check for stability. You can drive to the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint to see the cooling black rock, but you probably won’t be allowed to hike down to the crater rim just yet. Check the OVPF (Volcano Observatory) bulletin daily.

The Storm Aftermath: Cyclone Dudzai

The Weather Check: Intense Tropical Cyclone Dudzai was the headline of mid-January (Jan 10–20).

• The Status: The storm has dissipated, but the ground is soaked.
• The Risk: The hiking trails in Mafate, Cilaos, and Salazie are treacherous. Mudslides are a real risk this week. If a trail says “Fermé” (Closed), it means the path has physically slid into the ravine. Do not jump the barrier.
• The Reward: The waterfalls (Bridal Veil, Trou de Fer) are absolutely roaring. View them from a helicopter or a distant viewpoint; do not try to swim in the basins.

The Shark Net Reality

The Ocean Rules: Is it safe to swim?

• The Answer: Yes, but only in the lagoons (L’Ermitage, Saint-Pierre) or the netted zones (Boucan Canot, Roches Noires).
• The Update: Surfing has officially returned to specific spots thanks to the “Shark Vigilance” program and nets, but open-water swimming remains a game of Russian Roulette. Bull sharks are still patrolling the turbid waters (especially after the cyclone rain). If there is no net and no reef, do not get in.

The “Most Expensive Road”: The NRL

If you are driving from the airport (Saint-Denis) to the beaches (Saint-Gilles), you get to use the Nouvelle Route du Littoral (NRL).

• The Upgrade: The massive viaduct built over the sea is fully operational.
• The Relief: You no longer have to worry about the cliff collapsing on your rental Twingo (the old coastal road’s fatal flaw). It is an engineering marvel that cost billions. Enjoy the 15-minute drive that used to take hours during heavy rain.

Reunion in January 2026 is wet, wild, and recovering. The fire is out, but the island is alive.