Ambrym volcano

As a result the Volcanic Alert Level has increased from Level 1 to Level 2.

In a statement released today, the department said new scientific analysis suggest that the Ambrym volcano activity has significantly increased today, 25 January 2022 early morning around 4am.

“There were steam observed on Marum crater and significant steam, ash and gas observed on Benbow since 05:15am this morning. Volcanic hazards remain at the summit craters area and the South East part of Ambrym Island (e.g., major cracks from 2018).”

The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department said the Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.

Volcanic hazards remain about the summit craters area and the South East part of Ambrym Island (e.g. major cracks from 2018).

According to VMDG, these are related to the presence of cracked areas.

The presence of active rifts and faults (major ground cracking) at the South-East area of Ambrym are also hazardous, they will continue to be eroded and affected by earthquake activity.

The current volcanic activity at Ambrym is consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 1.

VMGD stated that a new scientific analysis suggests three possible scenarios as the future volcanic activity for Ambrym in the short-term.

These are Most likely; activity continues at current unrest level, not very likely; activity to decline to a lower level, not very likely; unrest activity to increase and eruptive activity to restart.

The Volcanic Alert Level remains at level 2.

New scientific analyses suggest that the volcanic activity is likely to continue at this level.

VMGD stated that open cracks in the South-East Ambrym area during the December eruption 2018 may continue to open due to erosion. Major seismicity could continue to affect these cracks and weak layers or areas around the active craters.

The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level2.

VMGD confirmed that new scientific analysis suggests that the volcano activity is likely to continue at this level.

The Danger Zones at the caldera remain at 1 km around Benbow and 2 km around the Marum crater.

VMGD says open cracks in the South-East Ambrym area during the December eruption 2018 may continue to open due to erosion.

Major seismicity could continue to affect these cracks and weak layers or areas around the active craters.

The department said current volcanic activity is consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 2.

This declined activity and the presence of active faults in the South-Eastern part of Ambrym have contributed to the change of current danger zones of Ambrym volcano.

Latest satellite imagery and observations in the field from 3 to 9 February 2019 confirm the presence of open cracks and active faults in Paamal village and its vicinity and the uplift at the coastal area of South-East Ambrym.

According to the department, these fractures are oriented in the WSW-ENE direction.

According to the latest situational report from the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department, the Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 3.

The Danger Zone for life safety remains at the Danger Zone B which is about 2 km around Benbow and 4 km around Marum craters (including Maben-Mbwelesu, Niri-Mbwelesu and Mbwelesu)

The additional area of risk is within 3 km from major cracks in the South East of Ambrym **.

Confirmed reports from the Malampa headquarters stated that the team divided into two groups with one group conducting assessment from Konon village and another from Ranvetlam village both moving towards Magam village in North Ambrym.

The assessment is based on areas that need checking on the ground including food and water security, shelter and infrastructures, communication, health facilities, general health of people and environment on the island.

The volcanic eruption is happening in the caldera area.

VMGD Observations and seismic data analysis on 15 December 2018 have confirmed an intra-caldera flank eruption near Marum crater.

The activity consists of ongoing lava flows and lava fountains with ash and gas emissions.

VMGD stated that people from Ambrym and neighbouring islands may view volcanic ash and/or gas plumes and hear volcanic explosions. This is a small-scale eruption

VMGD says the Alert Level for Ambrym volcano has been at the Level 2 since 7 December 2017.

New scientific analyses suggest that there is no imminent risk of increasing activity and the Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.

The volcanic activity is likely to continue in this state.

Danger is restricted to visitors approaching the active craters.

The restricted area of risk is limited in the Permanent Exclusion Zone at Benbow which is about 1 km around Benbow crater and the Danger Zone A at Marum (including Maben-Mbwelesu, Niri-Mbwelesu and Mbwelesu) which is about 2.7 km around Marum crater.