Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) has confirmed that the Volcanic Alert Level for Ambrym Volcano has been lowered from Level 2 to Level 1.
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.
“Although volcanic activity has declined to unrest levels, some volcanic hazards do remain on Ambrym specifically at the summit and eastern part of the Island.
These are related to the presence of cracked areas.
In addition to the summit hazards, 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.
An additional danger zone at the South-East of Ambrym is now within 500 metres from major cracks.
VMGD stated that open cracks in the South-East Ambrym that formed during the December 2018 eruption may continue to open due to erosion. Major earthquake activity could continue to affect these cracks and weak layers or areas around the active craters.
Latest field observations confirm that the Ambrym volcano activity has declined and conditions become stable.
“There is no significant manifestation of its volcanic activity and we now recognize the activity as minor unrest”
The Volcanic Alert Level for Ambrym has been at the Level 2 since 14th February 2019. Observations of the current activity are consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 1 activity.
Photo supplied Caption: Ambrym Volcano