Current volcanic activity
Bulletin N°11- Vanua Lava Activity
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VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°11 - VANUA LAVA ACTIVITY
Monday December 4th 2023
VANUA LAVA VOLCANO 13°80’S 167°47’E Summit 3021ft (921m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 1 Vanua Lava volcano is continuing in the minor unrest state. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1. Mt. Suretamatai volcanic activity is continuing at a minor unrest state, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 1. Latest satellite data shows no major emissions of volcanic plume but steam around the volcanic cone and the Sulphur River continue to be observed locally. However, the Volcanic Alert Level is maintained at Level 1. With the ongoing activity and the associated volcanic hazards, the danger zone is limited around the volcano cone and the Sulphur River. It is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur at any level of unrest with little or no warnings. Mt. Suretamatai has remained at Volcano Alert Level 1 since the 27th of May 2016. At this alert level, the risk for visitors accessing areas from the volcano cone and Sulphur River remains low, however given the unpredictable character of volcanoes all tourism agencies, local authorities, people of Vanua Lava and the general public are advised to give serious consideration to potential volcanic hazards. More information about the volcanic hazards can be found on the website: https://www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources Vanua Lava volcano is one of the active volcanoes in Vanuatu and in contrast to other large volcanoes in the country, it does not contain a youthful summit caldera. A chain of small stratovolcanoes, oriented along an NNE-SSW line, gives the low-angle volcano an irregular profile. Historically, this volcano had low infrequent activity except in XIX (19) century with 3 moderate manifestations and in XX (20) century with 2. The Department of Meteorology and Geo-hazards will continue to closely monitor Vanua Lava volcano activity and provide information when necessary. <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> |
Bulletin N°11- Gaua Activity
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VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°11 - GAUA ACTIVITY
Monday December 4th 2023
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 Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2. Gaua volcano activity is continuing in the major unrest level, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 2. Latest satellite data shows emissions of gas at the crater summit. However, the Volcanic Alert level is maintained at Level 2. With the ongoing activity and the associated hazards, the danger zone is limited to the volcanic cone (see safety map below). Visitors will continue to smell volcanic gas while approaching the volcanic cone. It is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur at any level of unrest with little or no warnings. Mt. Garet has remained at Volcanic Alert Level 2 since the 31st January 2018. At this alert level, the risk for visitors accessing areas from the volcano cone remains low, however given the unpredictable character of volcanoes all tourism agencies, local authorities, people on Gaua and the general public are advised to give serious consideration to potential volcanic hazards. More information about the volcanic hazards can be found on the website: http://www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resource Gaua volcano is one of the active volcanoes in Vanuatu. Historically, the formation of Mount Garet active cone of and other small cinder cones in the SW part of the caldera has left a crescent-shaped caldera lake, Lake Letas. The symmetrical, flat-topped Mount Garet cone is topped by three active craters. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department will continue to closely monitor Mt. Garet volcano activity and more information will be provided when necessary.
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fig. Gaua caldera 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> |
Bulletin N°12- Ambae Activity
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VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°12 - AMBAE ACTIVITY
Monday December 4th 2023
AMBAE VOLCANO 15°24’0”S 167°50’0”E Summit 4908ft (1496m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2 Manaro Vui volcano is continuing in the major unrest state. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2. Manaro Vui volcanic activity is continuing in the major level of unrest, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 2. Observation from satellite data confirmed ongoing steam and gas emissions on the active vent inside the Lake Manaro.. The Volcanic Alert level remain at Level 2. With the ongoing volcanic activity and the associated hazards such as lava flow, gas emissions and ash fall, the danger zone at the summit remains at the Danger Zone A (See Ambae caldera safety map below) which is about 2 km radius from the active vent. A reminder on persistent threat within areas of flowing creeks during heavy rain (e.g., remobilization of remaining ash and debris). It is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur at any level of unrest with little or no warnings. Manaro Vui volcano has remained at Volcanic Alert Level 2 since the 27th of December 2021. At this alert level, the risk for visitors accessing areas from the crater lakes and the caldera is low. Given the unpredictable character of volcanoes all tourism agencies, local authorities, people on Ambae and the general public are advised to give serious consideration to potential volcanic hazards as well as the danger zone limit. More information about the volcanic hazards and the Ambae volcano key messages can be found on the website: http://www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources Manaro Vui volcano is a very large volcano and is frequently active. A large-scale eruption about 400 years ago built a volcanic cone in the summit crater and that crater is now filled by Lake Voui; however, the modern active vent area is now within the volcanic cone that grew and remained since December 2021. Historic activity is poorly known, but there is documented activity in 1530, 1670, 1870, 1915 and 1966. All documented activity has been from the summit crater (Lake Vui) except for the 1670 activity, which included a flank eruption producing lava flows at Ndui Ndui. The 2017-2018 eruption episode started in 1991, with eruptions in 1995, 2005, 2016 leading to the 2017-2018 activity. The latest episodes of major unrest began in 2021 when the active cone built up exposing the vent from the lake water. Hence, Manaro Vui is considered an open vent volcano with the last increased activity in January 2023 producing a lava flow to the north of the active cone. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department will continue to closely monitor Manaro Vui volcano activity. More information will be provided when necessary.
<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°11- Ambrym Activity
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VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°11 - AMBRYM ACTIVITY
Monday December 4th 2023
AMBRYM VOLCANO 16°15’00”S 168°07’00”E Summit Elevation 4377ft (1334m) Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 1 Ambrym volcanoes are continuing in the minor unrest state. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1. The volcano activity on Ambrym is continuing in the minor unrest state, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 1. Observations from satellite data confirm no significant degassing of steam on both active craters. The Volcanic Alert level is maintained at Level 1. With the low activity and associated hazards, the danger zone at the summit area remains limited only inside the Permanent Exclusion Zone at Benbow and at Marum craters including at Maben-Mbwelesu, Niri-Mbwelesu and Mbwelesu (See Ambrym caldera safety map below). Additional danger zone is at the South-East of Ambrym within 500 meters from major cracks (opened during the 2018 Eruption). It is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur at any level of unrest with little or no warnings. Ambrym volcano has remained at Volcanic Alert Level 1 since the 10th of October 2019. The level of risk for visitors accessing areas from the caldera remains low, however given the unpredictable character of volcanoes all tourism agencies, local authorities, people on Ambrym and the general public are advised to give serious consideration to potential volcanic hazards. More information about the volcanic hazards can be found on the website: https://www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources 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 (before the 2018 eruption), there have been no eruptions that extended beyond the summit caldera. The eruption of 1988 and 2015 are focused in the caldera. The December 2018 eruption was focused in the summit caldera, and also affected the Eastern Fracture or Rift Zone with ground deformation, rifting, faulting and uplift, but no eruption occurred there. Latest episodes of increased activity in the unrest state includes the October 2021 event on Marum crater and January 2022 event on Benbow crater which produced lava flows inside the active craters. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department will continue to closely monitor Ambrym volcano activities and provide information when necessary.
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fig. Ambrym caldera safety map </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Note : « 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°11- Lopevi Activity
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VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°11 - LOPEVI ACTIVITY
Monday December 4th 2023
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 Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2. The Lopevi volcanic activity is continuing at a major unrest state, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 2. The latest data analysis from the monitoring system shows the ongoing presence of volcanic earthquakes but no emissions of volcanic plumes at the crater summit. Volcanic Alert level is maintained at Level 2. With the ongoing activity, the associated volcanic hazards, the topography and the histories of the Island, the danger zone is limited to the whole Island of Lopevi (See Lopevi safety map below). It is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur at any level of unrest with little or no warnings. Lopevi volcano has remained at Volcanic Alert Level 2 since the 23rd of September 2017. At this level, the risk for visitors accessing the Island of Lopevi remains low, however given the unpredictable character of volcanoes all tourism agencies, local authorities, people and residents of Paama & Epi and the general public are advised to give serious consideration to potential volcanic hazards. More information about the volcanic hazards can be found on the website: https://www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources Lopevi is one of several frequently active volcanoes in Vanuatu. Ash producing eruptions can occur every 3-10 years. The volcano has been active during historical time at both summit and flank vents, producing moderate explosive eruptions and lava flows that reached the coast. Historical eruptions date back to the mid-19th century. The island was evacuated following major eruptions in 1939 and 1960. Only a family tries to live on the island these days. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department will continue to closely monitor Lopevi volcano activity and more information will be provided when necessary.
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fig. Lopevi 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> |
Bulletin N°11- Tanna Activity
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VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°11 - TANNA ACTIVITY
Monday December 4th 2023
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 Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2. The Yasur volcanic activity is continuing at the major unrest state, consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 2. Latest satellite data shows an increase in emissions of steam, gas, and ash on the crater. Some explosions remain intensified causing volcanic projectiles or bombs that fall in and/or around the summit crater. Ground observation reported landslide inside the crater vent. With this activity, some villages surrounding the volcano experienced ash fall impacts and/or acid rain depending on wind speed and direction and weather. The Volcanic Alert Level is maintained at Level 2. With the ongoing volcanic activity and the associated hazards such as gas plumes, ash fall, possible landslides and volcanic projectiles or bombs to fall in and/or around the summit crater, the danger zone is limited in the danger zone A (red circle) which is 600 meters from the Permanent Exclusion Zone (See Yasur caldera safety map below). It is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur at any level of unrest with little or no warnings. Yasur Volcano has remained at Volcanic Alert level 2 since the 28th of October 2016. At this alert level, the risk for visitors accessing areas from the crater rim to the parking area could be more or less significant and given the unpredictable character of volcano all tourism agencies, local authorities, people on Tanna Island and the general public are advised to give serious consideration to potential volcanic hazards. . More information about the volcanic hazards can be found on the website: https://www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources Yasur is well known and most frequently visited of the Vanuatu volcanoes. It has been in more-or-less continuous Strombolian activity since Captain Cook observed ash eruptions in 1774. This type of activity may have continued since ages. The active cone is largely contained within the small Yenkahe caldera, and is one of the youngest Holocene’s volcanoes (11 700 years to present) of Vanuatu. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department will continue to closely monitor Yasur volcano activities and provide more information when necessary.
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fig. Yasur caldera safety Map </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Note : « 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°11- East Epi Activity
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VANUATU VOLCANO ALERT BULLETIN N°11 - EAST EPI ACTIVITY
Monday December 4th 2023
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 in the minor unrest state. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1. The volcano activity of the East Epi submarine volcano is continuing in the level of minor unrest state consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 1. Latest data analyses from the monitoring system shows that the volcano seismicity is sustained but there is no manifestation at the surface. Volcanic Alert level is maintained at Level 1. With the ongoing volcano activity and its associated hazards, the danger zone remains at 2Km radius from the active submarine vent (see East Epi submarine volcano safety map below). The volcanic activity is likely to continue in its normal level of unrest. It is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur at any level of unrest with little or no warnings. East Epi submarine volcano has remained at Volcanic Alert Level 1. since the 1st of February 2023. At this alert level, the risk for visitors accessing areas around the submarine volcano is low. Given the unpredictable character of volcanoes all tourism agencies, local authorities, people on Epi, Tongoa, Shepherds Islands and the general public are advised to give serious consideration to potential volcanic hazards as well as the danger zone limit. More information about the volcanic hazards can be found on the website: http://www.vmgd.gov.vu/vmgd/index.php/geohazards/volcano/volcano-info/resources A large caldera, with submarine post-caldera cones active in historical time, lies off the eastern coast of Epi Island. Three small submarine basaltic and dacitic cones, known as Epi A, Epi B, and Epi C, are located along the northern rim of the breached caldera and the summit of the shallowest cone, Epi B, was at 34 m below sea level at the time of a 2001 survey. Historical activity can be dated back to 1920, 1953, 1958, 1979, 1999, 2002, 2004 and the on the 1st of February 2023, the volcano entered another phase of eruption with phreatic explosions propelling ash some 100 m into the atmosphere. 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>Fig. 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> |
