Ambae Island volcano

The grant, provided by the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will help fund the Vanuatu Manaro Volcano Disaster Response Project.

On 26 September, a state of emergency for Ambae Island was declared by the Government of Vanuatu and a mass evacuation of the island’s entire population of 11,000 was called. People from the western and northern parts of the island were evacuated to Santo Island, while people from the eastern part were evacuated to Maewo and Pentecost islands. The Manaro volcano’s increased activity has contaminated many of the island’s water resources. 

The volcanic alert at the Manaro Voui crater is at level four with warnings of flying rocks, volcanic gas, acid rain and ash falls.

Yesterday, Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwa ordered the compulsory evacuation of the island by 6 October.

At least 7000 of the island's population of more than 11,000 have already been relocated from danger zones around the volcano to evacuation centres on the western and eastern sides of the island.

One of the major challenges faced by authorities is managing the evacuees and their water and food supply.

More than 7000 residents have been relocated from the danger zones to safe zones on the east and west sides of the island.

Vanuatu Red Cross Disaster Risk Reduction coordinator, Agustine Karae, says over 50 evacuation centres have been opened in the two areas.

“Schools and community centres have been opened up as evacuation centres on the island of Ambae. There are 30 centres on the east of the island alone,” he said.