Attachments
LOPEVI VOLCANO
16°30’23”S 169°20’18”E Summit 4635ft (1413m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
The Lopevi volcano activity continues in the major unrest state. The Lopevi Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Major volcanic unrest at Lopevi continues and remains confined at the active craters near the summit crater. New observations and analysis of data have confirmed that the conditions of Lopevi volcano activity remains unstable and suggest that its volcanic activity could increase at any time, though it may also remain at the same level for a longtime. The volcanic hazards danger zone remains limited on the Island of Lopevi.
Recent photos via webcam have shown continuous emission of small steam clouds (fumarole) at the summit crater. The satellite images from February 11, 2025, showed evidence of low to moderate thermal anomalies, indicating an increase in surface temperature around the volcano due to the presence of magma near the Earth’s surface. Analysis of seismic data has confirmed continued major volcanic unrest activity at Lopevi.
In the past, small or short-lived eruptions have followed volcanic unrest at Lopevi. The chance for an eruptive phase to follow the current volcanic unrest, like in January 2017, is likely.
The Lopevi volcanic alert level has been at Level 2 since 23th September 2017. The current observations are consistent with the activity of the Volcanic Alert Level 2. Level 2 indicates “Major level of unrest, with a volcanic hazards danger zone on the island of Lopevi”. With this current volcanic activity, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warning.
It is strongly reminded that all visitors to Lopevi may be affected by this major volcanic unrest activity. Authorities, communities of Paama and Epi Island, travel agents and the public should take this information into consideration when visiting and/or approaching Lopevi Island. 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.