Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Vanuatu

Vanuatu Volcano Alert Bulletin n°01 - Gaua Activity (January 30th 2025)

Attachments

GAUA VOLCANO
14°16’0”S 167°30’0”E Summit 2615ft (797m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2

The Gaua volcano activity continues in the major unrest state. The Gaua Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.

Major volcanic unrest continues at Gaua and remains confined to the active vent at the summit area. Latest satellite images confirmed evidence of continued volcanic degassing and that the conditions of Gaua’s volcanic activity remain unstable and suggest that its activity could continue at a similar level, consistent with Volcanic Alert Level 2. The volcanic hazards danger zone remains limited to the volcanic cone.

The Gaua volcanic alert level has been at Level 2 since 31st January 2018. The current observations are consistent with the Volcanic Alert Level 2 activity. Level 2 indicates “Major Unrest, with a volcanic hazards danger zone around the Gaua volcanic cone”. With this current volcanic activity, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warnings.

All tourism agencies, local authorities, and people of Gaua and the general public strongly reminded that the volcanic hazards danger zone remains at the volcanic cone. This zone is hazardous from volcanic gases and others volcano activity related risk could occur at any time in such major unrest state. Gaua volcano visitors will continue to expect volcanic gases while approaching the volcanic cone. Acid rain may be expected at areas around Gaua volcanic cone specially those exposed to prevailing trade winds.
Information about volcanic hazards are available at the link below:
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.