Current volcanic activity
Bulletin N°3- Vanua Lava Activity
VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°3 - VANUA LAVA ACTIVITY
Thursday March 28th 2024
VANUA LAVA VOLCANO 13°80’S 167°47’E Summit 3021ft (921m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 1
Vanua Lava volcano is continuing to show signs of unrest. The Vanua Lava Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1. Signs of volcanic unrest continues at Vanua Lava. New scientific observations confirmed that the Vanua Lava volcanic activity is likely to continue at similar levels, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 1. The danger zone for life safety is limited around the volcanic area and the sulfur river areas. Latest field observations and satellite images confirmed the ongoing presence of volcanic gases at the volcanic area and around the sulfur river. Volcanic hazards remain at the volcanic cone and areas around the sulfur river. Visitors of Vanua Lava volcano and communities of Vanua Lava Island will continue to expect volcanic gases while approaching the volcanic area and sulfur river areas. More, there is a presence of hot springs water at the sulfur river areas. Alert Level for Vanua Lava volcano has been at the Level 1 since 27th May 2016. The current observations are consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 1 activity. Level 1 indicates “Signs of unrest. The danger zone for life safety is at the volcanic area and the sulfur river areas”. All tourism agencies, visitors, local authorities, and people from Vanua Lava Island and general public are reminded to must NOT approach the volcanic areas and the sulfur river areas. In these areas, volcanic gases will always be expected with the presence of hot springs water at the sulfur river areas. Information about volcanic hazards are available at the link below: www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department will closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided accordingly when necessary. <div style="text-align: center;"><i>For further information, please contact Geohazards Division at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 24686.</i></div> |
Bulletin N°3- Gaua Activity
VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°3 - GAUA ACTIVITY
Thursday March 28th 2024
GAUA VOLCANO 14°16’0”S 167°30’0”E Summit 2615ft (797m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
Gaua Volcano is continuing in the major unrest state. The Gaua Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2. The major unrest volcanic activity continues at Gaua. Latest field observations has confirmed that Gaua volcanic activity conditions are unstable at the level of major unrest. With this current volcanic activity state, the Gaua volcano activity is likely to continue at similar level, consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 2. The danger zone for life safety is limited to on the volcanic cone (See Gaua caldera safety map below). Latest field observations and satellite data showed that active vent located at the volcano summit is continuing to emit volcanic plumes. These emitted volcanic plumes from the active vent may content volcanic steam and/or gas. Volcanic hazards remain at the areas around the volcanic cone. Gaua volcano visitors will continue to expect volcanic gases while approaching the volcanic cone. At this major unrest activity, volcanic acid rain may be expected at areas around Gaua volcanic cone specially those exposed to prevailing trade winds. Alert Level for Gaua volcano has been at Level 2 since 31st January 2018. The current observations are consistent with the Alert Level 2 activity. Level 2 indicates “Major Unrest. The danger zone is around the Gaua volcanic cone”. With this current volcanic activity, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warnings. This is a reminder to all tourism agencies, local authorities, people in Gaua and the general public NOT to access areas around the volcanic cone. In this area volcanic gases will always be expected and other volcan risk could occur at any time in such major unrest state. Information about volcanic hazards are available at the link below: www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department will continue to closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided when necessary.
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Fig. </b>Gaua caldera safety map </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> For further information, please contact Geohazards Division at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 24686.</i></div> |
Bulletin N°3- Ambae Activity
VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°3 - AMBAE ACTIVITY
Thursday March 28th 2024
AMBAE VOLCANO 15°24’0”S 167°50’0”E Summit 4908ft (1496m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
Ambae volcano activity is continuing in the major unrest state. The Ambae Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2. The major unrest volcanic activity at Ambae is continuing at Lake Voui. Latest field observations and ongoing data analysis has confirmed that Ambae volcanic activity conditions is unstable at the major unrest level. The Ambae volcano activity is likely to continue at similar level, consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 2. The danger zone for life safety is limited at 2 km radius from the 2017-2018 active vents and flowing creeks during heavy rain. Latest observation photos from the field showed that ongoing obvious emission of volcanic steam and/or gases and/or ashes are emitted from active vents inside Lake. With this ongoing volcanic activity, people of Ambae and neighboring islands can observe the volcanic cloud at the summit of Ambae Island. Volcanic hazards remain at the volcano summit area and flowing creeks (e.g. remobilization of remaining ash from 2017 and 2018 eruption). At this major unrest state, volcanic ash and acid rain can be also expected at villages located around the volcano summit specially those exposed to prevailing trade winds when the volcanic cloud reaching few kilometers in height. The Ambae volcanic alert level has been at Level 2 since 27th December 2021. Observations of the current activity are consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 2. Level 2 indicates “Major unrest. The danger zone remains at the Danger Zone A which is about 2 km radius from the 2017-2018 active volcanic vents and within the area of flowing creeks during heavy rain”. With this current volcanic activity, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warnings. All tourism agencies, local authorities, people on Ambae and the general public are reminded that the danger zone for live safety at the summit area remains at the Danger Zone A (See Ambae caldera safety map below) which is about approximately about 2 km radius from the 2017-2018 active vents due to the presence of volcanic hazards such as gases, ashes and others volcanic activity related risk in this area and also including areas of flowing creeks during heavy rain. With the presence of remaining volcanic ash from 2017 and 2018 eruption at the summit areas, villages located near flowing creeks can continually expect changes in stream behavior and larger than normal flow rates during heavy rains. People on Ambae Island need to beware of the dangerous flows while approaching these creeks during heavy rains. Ambae volcano advice key message and information about volcanic hazards can be found at the link below: http://www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department will continue to closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided as available.
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Fig</b>. Ambae caldera safety map </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b> Note : </b>« Posted sign » : Signs will be installed later at the locations shown on the above image. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> For further information, please contact Geohazards Division at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 24686.</i></div> |
Bulletin N°5- Ambrym Activity
VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°5 - AMBRYM ACTIVITY
Thursday March 28th 2024
AMBRYM VOLCANO 16°15’00”S 168°07’00”E Summit Elevation 4377ft (1334m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
Ambrym volcanic activity is continuing in the major unrest state. The Ambrym Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2. Major unrest volcanic activity is continuing at Benbow and Marum volcanic craters. New field observations and seismic data analysis confirmed that the Ambrym volcanic activity conditions is unstable at the major unrest level. Ambrym volcano activity is likely to continue at similar level, consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 2. The danger zone for life safety is limited at 1 km radius from Marum crater and 2 km radius from Marum crater and major cracked of 2018 eruption at the south eastern part of Ambrym. Latest observation photos from the field confirmed that its volcanic activity is confined inside the Benbow and Marum which consist of small steam cloud (fumarole). Volcanic hazards remain inside Benbow crater, areas around Marum crater and areas of major cracks of 2018 eruption at the South East of Ambrym. The Ambrym volcanic Alert Level has been at Level 2 since 17th January 2024. Observations of the current activity are consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 2. Level 2 indicates “Major unrest. The danger zone is at the Exclusion Zone which is about 1 km radius from Benbow crater and the Danger Zone A which is about 2 km radius from Marum crater with major cracked areas at the south eastern part of Ambrym”. With this current volcanic activity, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warnings. Ambrym volcano is a very active volcano in Vanuatu with large caldera of 12 km in diameter and 2 active craters Marum and Benbow. The volcano has been active during historical time at both summit and flank vents, producing moderate explosive eruptions and lava flows that have reached the coast. The larger events include eruptions in 1820, 1894, 1913 or 1929. Over the last seventy years, there are no extracaldera eruptions. The eruption of 1988 and 2015 are focused in the caldera. All tourism agencies, local autorithies, people of Ambrym and the general public are reminded NOT to access the Permanent Exclusion Zone which is about 1 km radius inside Benbow crater and the Danger Zone A which is about 2 km radius around Marum crater (including Maben-Mbwelesu, Niri-Mbwelesu and Mbwelesu) (See Ambrym caldera safety map below). In thèse areas volcanic gases are expected and 2018 eruption major cracks can collapse in areas around Benbow and Marum craters anytime. Moreover, communities from South East Ambrym are advised not to access 2018 eruption major cracks at the South East of Ambrym. Ambrym volcano advice key message and information about volcanic hazards can be found at the link below: https://www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department continues to closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided as soon as necessary.
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Fig.</b> Ambrym caldera safety map </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> <b>Note :</b> « Posted sign » : Signs will be installed later at the locations shown on the above image. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> For further information, please contact Geohazards Division at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 24686.</i></div> |
Bulletin N°3- Lopevi Activity
VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°3 - LOPEVI ACTIVITY
Thursday March 28th 2024
LOPEVI VOLCANO 16°30’23”S 169°20’18”E Summit 4635ft (1413m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
Lopevi volcano is continuing in the major unrest state. The Lopevi Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2. The major unrest volcanic activity at Lopevi volcano is continuing. New field observations and seismic data analysis confirmed that Lopevi volcano conditions are unstable at the level of major unrest. With this current volcanic activity state, the volcanic activity is likely to increase at any time but it could also remain at the same level for a longtime. The danger zone for life safety is limited on the Island of Lopevi (See Lopevi safety map below). Latest observation photos from the field showed that Lopevi volcanic activity continues to occur in the active craters near the summit crater. The volcano activity consists of continuous emission of small steam plume (fumerole) at the volcanic summit crater. With this ongoing volcanic activity, volcanic hazards remain at the Lopevi Island. In the past, small or short-lived eruptions have followed volcanic unrest at Lopevi. The chance for an eruptive phase to follow the current volcanic unrest, like in January 2017, is likely. The Lopevi Volcanic Alert Level (VAL) has been at Level 2 since 23 September 2017. The current observations are consistent with the activity of the Volcanic Alert Level 2. Level 2 indicates “Major level of unrest. The danger zone for life safety is on the island of Lopevi”. With this current volcanic activity, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warning. This is a reminder that all visitors to Lopevi may be affected by the volcanic unrest. Authorities, communities from the islands of Paama and Epi, travel agencies, and general public must take this information into consideration while visiting and/or approaching Lopevi Island due to the presence of volcanic hazards at Lopevi Island. Information about volcanic hazards are available at the link below: www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department will continue to closely monitor this volcanic activity. More information will be provided when necessary.
<div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Fig. </b>Lopevi volcano safety map </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b> </b>For further information, please contact Geohazards Division at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 24686.</i></div> |
Bulletin N°3- Tanna Activity
VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°3 - TANNA ACTIVITY
Thursday March 28th 2024
TANNA VOLCANO 19°32’0”S 169°26’30”E Summit 1184ft (361m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2 Yasur volcano is continuing in the major unrest state. The Yasur Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2. The major unrest activity is continuing at Yasur volcanic crater. New field observations and data analysis confirmed that Yasur volcano condition is unstable at the level of major unrest. Its volcanic activity is likely to continue at this similar level, consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 2. The danger zone for life safety is limited at 600 m radius from eruptive vents inside Yasur crater. Latest observation photos from the field showed that the volcanic activity at Yasur is continuing and confined inside the crater. The volcanic activity consists of ongoing explosions and some explosions remain strong. Volcanic bombs may fall in and/or around the crater. Eruptive vents emit volcanic cloud which may content gases and/or ash clouds. Volcanic hazards remain inside the crater and around the caldera. Yasur visitors and Tanna communities’ members will expect the presence of the volcanic gas while approaching the volcanic crater and caldera. At this major unrest state, volcanic ash fall and acid rain will continue to be experience by villages located in and around the caldera specially those exposed to prevailing trade winds when the volcanic cloud reach few kilometers in height. The Alert Level for Yasur has been at the Level 2 since 18th October 2016. The current observations are consistent with the Alert Level 2 activity. Level 2 indicates “Major Unrest. The danger zone for life safety remain at the Danger Zone A which is about 600 m radius from the eruptive vents”. With this current volcanic activity, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warnings. All tourism agencies, visitors, local authorities, people from Tanna Island and general public are reminded that danger area for life safety remains at the Danger Zone A (See Yasur caldera safety map below) which is about 600 m radius from eruptive vents due to the volcanic projectiles, ashes and gases presence in this zone. Villages located in and around the caldera will continue to expect volcanic gases and ash falls impacts. Yasur volcano safety map, visitors Fact sheet and information about volcanic hazards are available at the link below: www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources. The Department of Meteorology and Geohazards will continue to closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided when necessary.
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Fig.</b> Yasur caldera safety Map </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Note : </b>« Posted sign » : Signs will be installed later at the locations shown on the above image. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For further information, please contact Geohazards Division at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 24686.</i></div> |
Bulletin N°3- East Epi Activity
VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°3 - EAST EPI ACTIVITY
Thursday March 28th 2024
EAST EPI VOLCANO 16°40′48″S 168°22′12″E Summit -111ft (-34m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 1
East Epi Submarine volcano is continuing to show signs of unrest. The East Epi submarine Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1. Signs of volcanic unrest continue at the East Epi submarine volcano. New scientific observations confirmed that the East Epi submarine volcanic activity is likely to continue at similar level, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 1. The danger zone for life safety is limited at 2 km radius from the active submarine vents. Even though that communities members from Epi and neighboring islands could not observed the emitted volcanic plume above the sea surface, latest scientific observation confirmed that the East Epi submarine volcano remain active. Volcanic hazards persist at sea areas located around the East Epi submarine volcano. Ships with boats passengers, communities from Epi and neighboring islands will expect to observe volcanic pumice floating on the sea surface. These pumice may be also deposit at the Epi and neighboring islands coastal areas. Alert Level for East Epi submarine volcano has been at the Level 1 since February 2023. The current observations are consistent with the Alert Level 1 activity. Level 1 indicates “Signs of unrest. The danger zone for life safety is at 2 km radius from the active submarine vents”. All ships and boats owners, local authorities, people from Epi, Tongoa, Shepherd’s Islands and general public are reminded to must NOT approach 2 km radius from East Epi active submarine vents (See Est Epi submarine volcano safety map below). The risk of volcanic hazards is high in this zone. Information about volcanic hazards are available at the link below: www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources The Department of Meteorology and Geohazards will continue to closely monitor the submarine volcano activity. More information will be provided when necessary.
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Fig.</b> East Epi Submarine Volcano Safety Map</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For further information, please contact Geohazards Division at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 24686.</i></div> |