Visitors as well as villagers are advised that the crater of the popular Yasur Volcano on Tanna Island, Vanuatu remains closed
The alert level remains at Level 2.
This means that the volcanic explosions remain intense, volcanic bombs may fall in and/or around the crater and volcanic gas and ashes can also affect some villages.
The observation desk of the Geohazards Observatory says the crater is closed and the area of risk remains around the volcanic crater and in areas exposed to trade winds.
The 1,184 ft high Mount Yasur is an easily accessible active volcano and has been attracting touristd from as far as Europe, and America. The volcano has been erupting nearly continuously for over 3 years, although it can usually be approached safely. Its eruptions, which often occur several times an hour, are classified as Strombolian or Vulcanian.
The Vanuatu Government monitors the level of volcanic activity in the interests of the public, both tourists and locals alike. This monitoring is carried out by the Vanuatu Geo-Hazards Observatory.
The importance of the volcano to Tanna's tourism industry has resulted in the local government creating levels to restrict people's access. These levels range from 0-4 as follows:
Level 0 - Low activity, access to the crater allowed
Level 1 - Normal activity, access to the crater allowed
Level 2 - Moderate to high activity, lava bombs may land beyond the crater rim, access to the crater is closed
Level 3 - Severe activity with loud explosions, lava bombs ejected up to hundreds of metres outside the crater and large plumes of smoke and ash, access to the summit zone is closed
Level 4 - Major eruption affecting large areas around the volcano and possibly other parts of Tanna and even neighbouring islands, all access closed.
The Geohazards Observatory is advising all visitors to observe this volcano away from the crater rim to avoid volcano activity related impacts.
All communities, villages, visitors and travel agencies have to seriously consider this information.
The department says it will continue to closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided when necessary.