An assessment team from the Malampa Provincial Government in Malekula has been deployed to Ambrym this morning travelling by boat to commence assessment on the disaster caused by volcanic activities in 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.
Confirmed reports from Ambrym island stated that the landscape on the summit and its approaches had been completely transformed by days of ashfall.
Locals reported widespread damage and massive disruption to the local population on Ambrym Island.
The Ambrym volcano experienced a significant new eruption last weekend, followed by unrest.
Ambrym volcano is a very active volcano in Vanuatu with large caldera of 12 km in diameter and 2 active craters Marum and Benbow. The volcano has been active during historical time at both summit and flank vents, producing moderate explosive eruptions and lava flows that have reached the coast.
Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards department is advising all tourism agencies, local authorities, people of Ambrym and the general public not to access the Danger Zone which is about 2 km radius from Benbow and 4 km from Marum. In this area volcanic ashes and gases may be unbearable.
Also, communities from south east Ambrym are being advised not to access 3 km radius from major cracks in their areas.
Photo supplied Caption: heavy volcanic ash on Ambrym