Vanuatu’s Ambae volcano remains at Level 2

Activity at Ambae volcano in Vanuatu is continuing in the major unrest state and remains at Level 2.

According to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD), imminent eruption could occur in such major unrest states.

The Danger Zone for life safety remains at 2 km radius from the active vent.

VMDG said the volcanic ashes that fell on Ambae during the 2017 and 2018 eruption could 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 like sands, gravel and boulders.

The flow path of streams and creeks could change due to the flood debris and landslides may occur in some areas during heavy rain fall.

VMGD said the latest observations and analysis of seismic data recorded from the monitoring station confirm that the volcano activity is in the major unrest state (Level 2).

The volcano activity consists of ongoing emission of steam and/or other volcanic gases. Villages exposed to dominant winds could expect to find volcanic ashfall deposits and smell volcanic gases.

Significant impact of ashes and gases emission to villages at Ambae started in March and July 2018, when the Volcanic Alert level was raised to Level 3. Observations of the current activity are consistent with the Alert Level 2 activity.

The possibility that the Ambae volcano activity escalate to the level of minor eruption (Level 3) is now low.

All tourism agencies, local authorities, people of Ambae and the general public are reminded not to access the danger zone which is about 2 km radius from the eruptive vent. Volcanic gases and ashes are expected in this area.

 

Photo supplied. Caption Ambae Volcano

 

     

Author: 
Tensly Sumbe