Vanuatu Red Cross has deployed volunteers to south and west Ambae to advocate preparedness to villagers and assess the situation on the ground following reports of a minor eruption of Ambae volcano.
The organisation through social media informed the public that the volcano has been at level three for the last few weeks but yesterday it erupted.
“The Provincial Disaster committee and Red Cross branch officers and the Penama Red Cross Emergency Response Team (ERT) Volunteers have already deployed to south and West Ambae to advocate on preparedness. They (are) also trying to conduct an evacuation plan once every team who has been deployed returns with their situation report.”
According to the bulletin released by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department today, the Alert Level for Ambae volcano remains at Level 3.
“This means that the Ambae volcano is in a minor eruption state. At this Alert Level, the volcanic activity is likely to continue to increase or decrease to its normal level of unrest at any time. Danger Zone A at Ambae volcano is closed (Shouldn’t be Access) (See red dot circle - photo).
Visitors have been reminded to observe this volcano away from the Danger Zone A which is about 3 km radius from Manaro Voui lake .
Villages and communities of Ambae Island, especially those in the prevailing trade winds direction will expect volcanic gas, ash falls and acid rain that may cause foliage fumigation hence damage garden crops.
The department says it’s very important that communities, villages, visitors and travel agencies seriously consider this information.
The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department will continue to closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided as soon as necessary.
Three other volcanos on Vanuatu have also shown increased recorded activity.
Photo 1 supplied: Ambae Safety Map
Photo 2 Vanuatu Red Cross Facebook via Peter Vibs
