DHA-GENEVA 95/0120
1. DHA REPRESENTATIVE IN FIJI REPORTS
THAT VOLCANIC ACTIVITY ON AMBAE ISLAND DROPPED SLIGHTLY BUT STILL REMAINS
AS HIGH THREAT. LAKE VUI, SITUATED ON MAIN CRATER, IS NOW DRY. POOR
WEATHER CONDITIONS PREVENTING CLOSER ANALYSIS.
2. AMBAE ISLAND REMAINS UNDER ALERT STATUS, BUT NO EVACUATION TAKEN PLACE TO DATE. GOVT COMPLETED OPERATIONAL RESPONSE PLAN. VILLAGES WITHIN 10KM RADIUS IDENTIFIED AS BEING UNDER IMMEDIATE
THREAT, AND THOSE WITHIN 5KM RADIUS PLACED ON STAND-BY FOR IMMEDIATE EVACUATION. EVACUATION CENTERS IDENTIFIED. ALL AVAILABLE GOVT AND SEVERAL PRIVATE SHIPS POSITIONED TO ASSIST IN POSSIBLE EVACUATION.
3. 16-PERSON TEAM FROM VANUATU MOBIL FORCE (PARAMILITARY) DEPLOYED ON 15 MARCH TO ASSIST LOCAL LEADERS IN EVACUATION PREPARATION. FRENCH RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND AND COOPERATION (ORSTROM) OFFICERS ARRIVING ON 17 MARCH TO ASSIST LOCAL OFFICIALS.
4. DHA, THROUGH ITS LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES, CONTINUES TO MONITOR DEVELOPMENTS.
TELEPHONE : +41-22/917.12.34
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ONLY, TELEPHONE: +41-22/917.20.10
DESK OFFICER: MS. K. GOTOH, DIRECT
TEL. +41-22/917.31.58
PRESS TO CONTACT: MRS. M. MOULIN-ACEVEDO, DIRECT TEL. 917.28.56
ELECTRONIC MAIL: UNIENET DIALCOM 141: DHAGVA
FILE: DPR 310 VAN