Ambae

The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.

VMGD stated that, the volcanic activity on Ambae has slightly increased in the minor unrest level, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 1.

Since last Sunday, the volcano activity consisted of emission of steam, with an average height of approximately 250m, and explosions of wet tephra ejected above the lake surface.

The Ambae volcano activity is continuing at the low unrest level, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 1. 

VMGD said new scientific analysis suggest that the Ambae volcano activity is likely to continue at this level of minor unrest.

Volcanic hazards remain at the summit area and creeks (e.g. remobilization of remaining ash from 2017 and 2018 eruption).

Some volcanic hazards remain on Ambae Island and these are related to the presence of weak layers of volcanic ash remaining at the summit and elsewhere on the island. 

The families have returned to the island after they were evacuated last year when the volcano erupted.

According to the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) based at Saratamata sub-centre on Ambae, the largest repatriation was over the festive season.

On Friday, 17 January, the Director of DOL, Lonny Bong visited Ambae to brief the TAG members and the PENAMA Provincial Administrator about the re-establishment plan for livestock services for the island, as well as announce the commencement of the recovery plan in February starting off with chickens.

This is under a Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) programme and is  part of a recovery programme to assist the evacuees that have returned from Maewo to re- settle and start their normal lives after the eruption of Lobenben volcano.

Save the Children officer based on Ambae, Amos Talu said “the aim of the Food Security and Livelihood Programme is to ensure the people have nutritious food to eat and to maintain food security and improve their livelihood”.