Attachments
LOPEVI VOLCANO
16°30’23”S 169°20’18”E Summit 4635ft (1413m)
Current Vanuatu Volcano Alert Level: Level 2
Lopevi volcano is continuing in the major unrest state. Lopevi Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Major volcanic unrest at Lopevi volcano continues and confined at the active craters near the summit crater. New field observations and data analysis confirmed that Lopevi volcano conditions at the major unrest state remain unstable. This volcanic activity is likely to increase at any time but it could also remain at the same level for a longtime. The danger zone for life safety remain limited on the Island of Lopevi (See Lopevi safety map below).
Recent field observation photos via webcam showed continuous emission of small steam plume (fumerole) at the summit crater. Analysis of seismic data confirmed the ongoing major volcanic unrest activity at Lopevi. With this activity, volcanic hazards remain at the Lopevi Island.
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.
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. The danger zone for life safety is on the island of Lopevi”. With this current volcanic activity, it is a useful reminder that eruptions can occur with little or no warning.
This is a reminder that all visitors to Lopevi may be affected by the volcanic unrest. Authorities, communities from the islands of Paama and Epi, travel agencies, and general public must take this information into consideration while visiting and/or approaching Lopevi Island due to the presence of volcanic hazards at 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 will continue to closely monitor this volcanic activity. More information will be provided when necessary.