Eruptive activity at Vanuatu’s Ambrym volcano is continuing in the minor eruption state.
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 **.
The department said though people are not feeling strong earthquakes compared to the past few days, current observations and analysis of seismic data recorded from the monitoring network confirm an ongoing seismicity.
This is related to the current volcano eruption.
This seismicity may continue to affect the existing cracks, especially in the South East Ambrym area.
Latest satellite imagery analysis confirm a remarkable land deformation on Ambrym island, therefore people from Ambrym and neighboring islands may continue to expect earthquakes.
The possibility that the Ambrym volcano activity escalate to the level of moderate eruption (Level 4) is low for now.
Tourism agencies, local authorities, people of Ambrym and the general public are being reminded not to access the Danger Zone B which is about 2 km radius from Benbow and 4 km from Marum.
Volcanic ashes and gases may be unbearable in this area.
Communities from South East Ambrym are being advised not to access 3 km radius from major cracks which are vulnerable to possible flank eruptions.
The department said villages of Ambrym may experience impacts of ashes and gases and acid rains, especially those exposed to prevailing trade winds.