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AMBRYM VOLCANO
16°15’00”S 168°07’00”E Summit Elevation 4377ft (1334m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
The volcanic activity on Ambrym remains in the increasing phase of the major unrest state. The Ambrym Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Analysis of new scientific data has confirmed the continuation of Ambrym’s volcanic activity in the increasing phase of the major unrest, consistent to the volcano’s alert level 2. With current volcanic activity, the volcanic hazards danger zone is approximately 2 km in radius from Benbow crater, 3 km in radius from Marum crater and extends towards the ash plain.
Although no recent ground deformation around Ambrym was detected after November 12th, 2024, satellite images have showed continued evidence of low to moderate volcanic thermal anomalies on November 1st, 2nd, 5th, 11th, 12th, 17th and 24th November 2024, indicating an increase in surface temperature due to the presence of magma near the Earth's surface. Analysis of seismic data has confirmed the ongoing major volcanic unrest activity on Ambrym.
The Ambrym volcanic alert level remain 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, with a volcanic hazards danger zone of 2 km radius from Benbow crater, 3 km radius from Marum crater and extends towards the ash plain”. 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 remindedthat the volcanic hazards danger zone remains at the Danger Zone B which is about 2 km radius from Benbow crater, 3 km radius from Marum crater (including Maben-Mbwelesu, Niri-Mbwelesu and Mbwelesu) and extends towards the ash plain (Fig1. Ambrym caldera safety map). This zone is hazardous due to the volcanic hazards associated with its activity, which could occur at any time in this state of major unrest. Major fissures from the 2018 eruption, in areas around Benbow and Marum craters, may collapse at any time, and other volcanic hazards. 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 Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department continues to closely monitor this volcano activity. More information will be provided as soon as necessary.
For further information, please contact Geohazards Division at the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department at geohazards@meteo.gov.vu or 24686.