Attachments
AMBAE VOLCANO
15°24’0”S 167°50’0”E Summit 4908ft (1496m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
The volcanic activity on Ambae continues in the major unrest state. The Ambae Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Major volcanic unrest at Ambae continues and remains confined to Lake Voui. Latest observations and data analysis have confirmed that the Ambae volcanic activity exhibits ongoing unrest and suggest that its activity is likely to continue at a similar level, consistent with volcanic alert level 2. The volcanic hazards danger zone remains limited to Danger Zone A (2 km radius from active vents).
Satellite imagery shows evidence of continued volcanic degassing and a detection of low thermal anomaly on January 17th 2025, indicating an increase in surface temperature. Analysis of seismic data also confirmed the ongoing major volcanic unrest activity on Ambae.
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, with a volcanic hazards danger zone of 2 km radius from active volcanic vents”. 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 strongly reminded that the volcanic hazards danger zone at the summit area remains at the Danger Zone A (See Ambae caldera safety map below) which is approximately about 2 km radius from active vents. This area is hazardous due to the gases, ashes and other related risks. Acid rain can be expected at the summit area and nearby villages, especially, those exposed to prevailing trade winds when the volcanic cloud reaches a few kilometers in height. Danger is also present in areas of flowing creeks during heavy rain due to 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 be aware 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 continues to closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided when necessary.
For further information, please contact Geohazards Division at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department at geohazards@meteo.gov.vu or 24686.