Alert Level 2

The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.

Manaro Vui volcanic activity is continuing in the major level of unrest, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 2.

Latest data analysis from the monitoring system shows volcanic earthquakes and emissions of steam, gas and/or ash at the cone inside Lake Manaro Vui.

However, the Volcanic Alert Level is maintained at Level 2.

The alert level was raised from level 1 to level 2 last week signalling a state of major unrest.

Mt Garet has been quiet since 2010 but recent observations have led to the warning.

Spokeswoman Melinda Aru said the recent activity included ongoing volcanic steam clouds containing volcanic gases and an increase in seismic activity.

"The increase of alert level was based on the observations, the latest observations done by one of the Geohazards team that has been on Gaua from December to January."

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.