The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards department (VMGD) says the current volcanic activity is consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 2.
Possible imminent eruption could occur at any time in such major unrest state.
VMGD confirmed that observations in October and November 2018 confirm that the volcanic cloud emitted are white meaning only steam.
The presence of ash that has fallen on Ambae during the last eruption will continue to change the behaviour of streams and creeks when it rains.
The creeks and streams can produce floods and carry a lot more debris (sands, gravel and boulders).
The flow path of streams and creeks could change due to the flood debris. Landslide may occur at some areas during heavy rain fall.
These observations and the analysis of seismic data confirm that the volcano activity is in the major unrest state.
The volcano activity consists of ongoing emission of steam and/or volcanic gases. The local population and visitors can smell the volcanic gas while approaching the volcano.
Significant impact of ashes and gases emission to villages at Ambae started in March and July, when the Volcanic Alert level was raised to Level 3. Observations of the current activity are consistent with the Alert Level 2 activity. Level 2 indicates ‘Major unrest; Danger is now at 2 km around the volcanic vents.
The possibility that the Ambae volcano activity escalate to the level of minor eruption is now low.
The VMGD stated that it will continue to closely monitor the volcano activity.