New research identifying Haiti and Mozambique as the countries most vulnerable to economic losses from natural disasters also classifies a number of industrialised economies, including Italy, Japan, China, USA, Spain and France, as "high risk" environments for investors, insurers and business.

The Natural Disasters Economic Loss Index (NDELI), released by risk intelligence and ratings company, Maplecroft, evaluates the economic impact of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis,

They have all moved to the east side of Gaua Island to avoid falling ash, mudslides and poisonous gases.

Authorities in the capital Port Vila are urging people to stay calm as they monitor the volcano closely.

Field observations reported by the geo-hazards officer in Gaua confirm thicker and higher emissions of ash columns but the alert level remains at Two out of a possible Four.

Sylvain Todman is a Geohazards Technical Advisor in Vanuatu's Department of Geology.

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No.1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid, and in particular Article 2(f) and Article 15(2) thereof;

Whereas:

(1) The Pacific region is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world, particularly exposed to natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, tidal surges, landslides, flash floods, droughts, forest fires, volcano eruptions, as well as epidemics;

(2) Local communities are particularly

An increase in activity at Mt Garet, an active volcano on Gaua Island, Torba Province, Vanuatu forced the evacuation of over 300 people from three villages on the west coast of Gaua on 26 November 2009. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has maintained alert level 2 on the island, requiring evacuation of all residents living near the volcano's lava path.

HEALTH IMPACT

Although current conditions are projected to have only minor health effects, further assessment is being conducted

Residents were loaded onto fishing boats and shipped to the far side of Gaua island after the volcano, which has been rumbling for the past two months, started erupting.

"They're evacuating people to the other side of the island. The volcano was throwing ash in the place they live," an official told AFP, adding police and Vanuatu's National