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The volcanic activity on Ambae is at the level of minor eruption. The Ambae Volcanic Alert Level is raised to Level 3***.***
Analysis of recent data confirms that the activity is heightened into the minor eruption phase consistent with volcanic alert level 3. This volcano activity began at the end of November 2025 with a periodic ash emission; however, the current heightened volcanic activity has remained constant in the past days. Ambae volcano activity remains confined in the Lake Voui. The volcanic hazards zone remains limited at the Danger Zone B which is about 3 km radius from the active vent in lake Voui.
Satellite images and webcam photos taken on 20, 21, 22, and 23 February 2026 show that the volcanic activity consists of continuous plume emissions containing gas and ash. Recent satellite images from 20 and 21 February 2026 also indicate continuous high emissions rate of sulphur dioxide (S02). Satellite imageries further show continued detection of low to moderate thermal anomalies on 19, 20 and 21 February 2026, indicating high surface temperature around the volcano due to the presence of magma near the Earth’s surface. Ground observations report from 22nd February to today, 23 February 2026, confirms that communities in South and Southeast Ambae, especially those located in the downwind direction, are experiencing volcanic ash fall. Seismic data also confirm a continuous seismic activity on Ambae, characterized by ongoing volcanic tremor and volcano seismic events.
Ambae volcano is a very large volcano and is frequently active. A large-scale eruption about 400 years ago built a volcanic cone in the summit crater and the crater is now filled by Lake Voui; the modern active vent area underlies Lake Voui. Historic activity is poorly known, but there is documented activity in 1530, 1670, 1870, 1915 and 1966. All documented activity has been from the summit crater (Lake Voui) except for the 1670 activity, which included a flank eruption producing lava flows at Ndui Ndui. The current eruption episode started with the volcanic unrest in 1991, with eruptions in 1995, 2005, 2016 and 2017-2018. The current eruption is focused on the summit crater and there are no indications of activity elsewhere on Ambae Island for now.
Advice to all tourism agencies, local authorities, people on Ambae and the general public that the volcanic hazards zone at the summit area is now in the Danger Zone B (See Ambae caldera safety map below) which is approximately about 3 km radius from active vents. This area is hazardous due to volcanic projectiles, volcanic ashes, gas and other volcanic hazards related to the current activity that may occur at any time. Ash falls and acid rain will continue to be expected at the summit areas, nearby villages and neighboring islands, especially, those exposed to prevailing trade winds when the volcanic plume rises several kilometers high. Streams also pose a danger during heavy rains due to remaining ash which may cause abnormal water flow. Residents are also advised to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the streams during periods of heavy rainfall. With the current volcanic activity, the local population are likely to hear some of the volcanic explosions and see glow over the mountain at nighttime. Also, people on Ambae and neighboring islands should expect to observe the volcanic plume at the summit of Ambae Island. The Ambae volcano advice key message and information about volcanic hazards can be found at the links below:
www.vmgd.gov.vu/geohazards/volcanoes/manaro-voui
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.