Attachments
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. Ambrym Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Major volcanic unrest continues at Ambrym volcano and remains confined inside Benbow and Marum craters. Latest observations and data analysis have confirmed that Ambrym volcanic activity exhibits ongoing unrest and suggest that its activity continues at this similar level, consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 2. The danger zone for life safety remains at 1 km radius from Benbow crater and 2 km radius from Marum crater and major cracked of 2018 eruption at the south eastern part of Ambrym.
Webcam photos showed ongoing small steam cloud emission (fumarole) from both craters. Analysis of seismic data confirmed the ongoing major volcanic unrest activity on Ambrym. With this volcanic activity, volcanic hazards remain inside Benbow crater, areas around Marum crater and areas of major cracks of 2018 eruption at the South East of Ambrym.
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.
All tourism agencies, local authorities, people of Ambrym and the general public are strongly 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) due to the presence of volcanic gases and 2018 eruption major cracks in areas around Benbow and Marum craters which can collapse 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 Department of Meteorology and Geohazards will continue 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.