Vanuatu volcano

Ambae evacuees accepting their fate

The volcano at the centre of Ambae Island continues to erupt, smothering the island in ash that is killing crops and making breathing difficult.

In a repeat of last year's mass evacuation, people are now being herded onto ships to flee to other islands but this time it seems they will not return.

The government ordered the mandatory evacuation last month and declared a state of emergency after the ash fall intensified.

Heavy ash fall after Ambae volcano's latest eruption

One resident, Marsden Philip Vuvu, said there was a thick fine ash on his veranda and it got so dark at four in the afternoon that people were forced to use torches.

He said people were also using umbrellas to keep the ash off them.

The Penama Province Disaster Officer, Mansen Tari, has confirmed the latest ash fall saying the rumbling noise of the eruption can be heard at Penama Provincial Headquarters at Saratamata on the coast, more than 30 kilometres away.

Talks to firm plans for another Vanuatu evacuation

Ambae's Mt Lombenben first erupted in September prompting a mass evacuation of the 11,000 people living there.

Many returned after a month but renewed activity in recent weeks as prompted the government to issue a state of emergency and plan for another evacuation.

The government is speaking with landowners on Maewo and Pentecost about the provision of land where Ambae islanders could settle permanently.

But the government official says any evacuation would not be compulsory.

 

Photo by Vanuatu Red Cross. Caption: Ash fall on Ambae Island

Volcanic ash still causing problems on Ambae

A local pastor, William Bice, told the Daily Post the ash fall was heavy and is spoiling cabbage, taro and water supplies.

The island was evacuated in September when the volcano at the island's centre erupted, but evacuees started to return two weeks ago.

But Mr Bice said islanders were uncomfortable with the ongoing eruption, and feared the long-term effects of falling ash and acid rain.

He said local pleas to national authorities fore breathing masks, sunglasses and hats have fallen on deaf ears.

 

NZ jobs vital for evacuated seasonal workers on Vanuatu's Ambae island

More than 11,000 people were being moved to the islands of Pentecost, Maewo and Santo when eruption of the Manaro Voui volcano was at its height.

Robin Tuku represents some 50 seasonal workers from the western side of Ambae who've financed homes, small businesses and community projects with their New Zealand earnings.

He said their families could be away from the island for up to a year and the workers wanted to return to New Zealand so they could defray the extra expenses involved with the evacuation.

Vanuatu PM promises evacuees they will return home

Mr Salwai visited evacuation centres in Penama and Sanma provinces yesterday where more than 11,000 people have been taken since the Manaro Voui volcano began belching ash and smoke over a fortnight ago.

The last boatloads were due to arrive at the islands of Maewo, Pentecost and Espiritu Santo yesterday, and they potentially face months away from home.

Disaster authorities are being assisted by French, Australian and New Zealand defence personnel and various international NGOs who have brought tonnes of relief supplies.

Ambae evacuees face months away from home

More than 11,000 men, women and children have been relocated to three nearby islands: Maewo, Pentecost and the majority - about 7000 - to Espiritu Santo.

The last boatloads of evacuees Ambae were due to land in Espiritu Santo on Wednesday.

Reports from Port Vila are that volcanologists are cautiously optimistic the worst of the Manaro eruption is over, but even if it does calm down the people of Ambae may not be allowed back to their island home for another three months.

Vanuatu authorities plead for international help

Thousands of people are now struggling on a neighbouring island in fierce heat with limited food, water and shelter.

More than 3000 refugees arrived on the island of Espiritu Santo from Ambae on boats yesterday and a similar number were expected today.

Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee said the government had now received a formal request from the Vanuatu government for specific assistance and would send another $250,000 worth of supplies to the country.

"Tomorrow morning a C-130 from the New Zealand Airforce will take off with those supplies," Mr Brownlee said.

Vanuatu authorities plead for international help

Thousands of people are now struggling on a neighbouring island in fierce heat with limited food, water and shelter.

More than 3000 refugees arrived on the island of Espiritu Santo from Ambae on boats yesterday and a similar number were expected today.

Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee said the government had now received a formal request from the Vanuatu government for specific assistance and would send another $250,000 worth of supplies to the country.

"Tomorrow morning a C-130 from the New Zealand Airforce will take off with those supplies," Mr Brownlee said.

Vanuatu evacuee numbers climb higher

About 3500 evacuees arrived on the island of Espiritu Santo overnight, bringing the total number of evacuees close to 5000, with up to 4000 more still to leave Ambae.

Provincial officials said the 19 evacuation centres on Santo were already filled to capacity and about 1000 evacuees have yet to be processed.

The government wants the entire population evacuated by Friday, but officials said the original figure of 11,000 given for Ambae's total population could be too low.