Disaster authorities in Vanuatu are calling for people on Ambae to remain calm and await evacuation instructions from the government as the eruption of the Manaro volcano continues.
The volcanic alert level at the Manaro Voui crater was upgraded to level four last week with the Geohazards Department warning of flying rocks, volcanic gas, acid rain and ash falls.
At least 7000 of the islands population of more than 11,000 have been relocated from danger zones around the volcano to evacuation centres on the western and eastern sides of the island.
Up to 20 percent of Ambae residents are thought to have already left for nearby islands but the government says it wants all of them off as the eruption is not abating.
It has asked the international community to provide non-perishable food items that can tide people over until food crops from other Vanuatu islands can be obtained.
Peter Korisa from Vanuatu's Disaster Management Office said food, water and shelter for those affected was the primary concern.
Korisa said the situation was frightening and stressful for communities on the island but they were calling for people to listen out for instructions from officials.
“We don't want to create panic in this type of situation people you know they are very, you know they panic and people they can just move everywhere. So what we are trying to do now is just pass the message back to them, just to keep calm and wait for anything that government would decide.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand is working with the Adventist Development Relief Agency and Vanuatu's Disaster Management Office to deliver 325-thousand US dollars' worth of water, sanitation and hygiene kits to Ambae Island refugees. It is also sending two volcanologists.